Ludhiana, May 3
Dr S.C. Manchanda, former head of cardiology at All-India Institute of Medicines, New Delhi, along with noted teacher of preksha yoga from Delhi Swami Dharmananda, has claimed that coronary artery disease (CAD) can be reversed with “preksha meditation”.
They not only demonstrated preksha meditation, but also backed up their claim on reversal of heart disease with scientific evidence at a workshop organised by Hero DMC Heart Institute (HDHI) here last evening.
Acharya Mahapragya and Yuvacharya Shri Mahashramman were also present at the workshop which was coordinated by Dr Bishav Mohan, a cardiologist with the HDHI.
Claiming efficacy of the Jain method of preksha meditation and preksha yoga in managing heart diseases, Swami Dharmananda, who had coordinated a research project, which had been undertaken by AIIMS for treatment of heart diseases, asthma and diabetes, maintained that the reversal of these conditions had been documented through angiography and other diagnostic tests.
Dr Manchanda, giving details of the research project, explained that people in the age group of 30-75 years with chronic stable angina (with more than 70 per cent blockage of major blood vessels) were put on preksha meditation, which was supplemented with good diet and moderate aerobic physical exercises and yoga.
“After a few months, their vitals were compared with those who were not practising preksha meditation. The results were very astonishing. The progression of atherosclerotic lesions (which are the cause of blockage in artery) stopped and their regression achieved by 15 per cent. Similarly, lipid profile of research group showed 20 per cent reduction in TC, LDL, TG, etc. Moreover, revascularisation procedure in the active group was reduced by approximately 90 per cent.”
According to Dr Manchanda, the study had concluded that life style interventions, especially yoga, retarded the progression and enhanced regression of coronary atherosclerosis. Further, the revascularisation procedures were reduced, quality of life improved with marked decrease in anxiety, hostility and stress. Moreover, the treatment of heart disease with meditation had proved to be a cost-effective practical approach, providing high degree of compliance.
Dr G.S. Wander, Chief Cardiologist with HDHI, said holistic systems like yogic lifestyle should be incorporated in the clinics of the regular hospitals. It would go a long way in prevention of cardiac diseases. Dr Bishav Mohan, a cardiologist, said he had requested Dr Manchanda to set up a centre for preksha meditation at HDHI.
