Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) commonly includes psychological symptoms anxiety, irritability, mood swings that impair daily functioning for many women. Mind-body practices such as Hatha yoga are widely used to reduce stress and mood symptoms, but the physiological mechanisms that might explain benefits for premenstrual psychological complaints remain incompletely synthesized. This review/meta-analytic narrative examines randomized trials, controlled studies, and mechanistic research (n = 30 key papers from PubMed/Google Scholar) on (1) effects of yoga (particularly Hatha/early morning practice) on psychological PMS symptoms and (2) two candidate physiological mediators: the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and serotonergic modulation (tryptophan-serotonin pathway). Across clinical trials and systematic reviews, yoga interventions (including Hatha-format asanas combined with breathwork and brief meditative elements) were associated with moderate reductions in emotional PMS symptoms and improved quality of life compared with controls or alternative exercise (e.g., aerobic), with several randomized controlled trials reporting statistically significant improvements (Erdoğan et al., 2024; Pal et al., 2022; Ranga, 2024). Mechanistic evidence indicates that (a) mind-body interventions can modulate HPA-axis activity including alterations in diurnal cortisol patterns and CAR, and (b) exercise and yoga may influence peripheral markers and upstream metabolism of tryptophan/serotonin, potentially stabilizing mood during luteal phases. However, studies vary in methodology (intervention timing, yoga style intensity, outcome measures, saliva/plasma sampling protocols), and direct trials that concurrently measure PMS symptom changes, CAR, and serotonin metabolites during early-morning Hatha yoga interventions are scarce. We conclude that early morning Hatha yoga is a promising, low-risk intervention for psychological PMS symptoms, potentially acting via CAR normalization and serotonergic pathways, but high-quality trials with standardized CAR and neurochemical measures timed to menstrual cycle phases are needed.

Introduction: Treatment experience during CAM treatments differs from conventional treatments in the degree to which during treatment (i) mood changes, (ii) patients get involved in treatment and (iii) varied sensations are experienced. These three dimensions of treatment experience were compared during three commonly used CAM treatments used to promote relaxation (i.e., yoga nidra (YN), whirlpool bath (WB), and oil massage (OM) using the Treatment Experience Questionnaire (TEQ).1 Method: A comparative study was conducted with 45 patients (25 males, 20 females; mean age = 46.27 ± 15.29 years) undergoing one of three therapies (i.e., YN, WB or OM; n = 15 each) at an integrative therapy centre in northern India. Patients completed the TEQ once, immediately after their session. Result: The three CAM treatments differed with respect to (i) patient involvement in treatment and (ii) sensations experienced (One-way ANOVA, SPSS 24.0). WB requ ired lowest patient co-operation and had highest positive sensations experienced, whereas YN required the most patient co-operation with lowest sensations experienced. Discussion: All three CAM treatments promoted relaxation by improving mood and lowering tension but varied in patient cooperation and positive sensations. Treatment choices should consider a patient’s health condition and varied patient participation ability. The study underscores the value of assessing treatment experience to tailor CAM therapies for individuals, despite limitations from a small sample size and diverse health conditions. Conclusion: In the present exploratory study found differences between the three treatments given to patients with chronic, non-communicable diseases, in (i) patient co-operation required and (ii) positive sensations experienced during treatment. These findings can help select treatments according to the health condition.

Background: Prolonged sitting among office workers is strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk, musculoskeletal complaints, decreased productivity, and impaired well-being. Micro-breaks and workplace physical activity programs can reduce sedentary time, and yogabecause it can be performed in short bouts with low space/equipment needshas emerged as a pragmatic intervention for office settings. Objective: To systematically review and synthesize evidence from randomized trials, quasi-experimental studies, and acute experimental trials testing yoga interventions (including micro-yoga breaks and workplace yoga programs) aimed at reducing sedentary time or mitigating physiological/psychological harms of prolonged sitting in office workers. Methods: Electronic searches (PubMed/PMC/Google Scholar/Scopus/Cochrane central) identified trials and controlled studies published through 2025 that evaluated yoga delivered at/for the workplace, micro-yoga breaks, or yogabased active breaks for desk-based employees. Outcomes included objectively or subjectively measured sedentary time, breaks in sitting, glycemic and vascular markers, musculoskeletal discomfort, mood, cognitive performance, and adherence. Results: Thirty studies met inclusion: workplace yoga RCTs and controlled trials (e.g., Cheema et al., 2013), short-bout yoga break trials (e.g., Colvin et al., 2023), home/telework yoga interventions (e.g., Garcia et al., 2021), and multi-component workplace programs including yoga. Across studies, yoga interventions produced small-to-moderate improvements in musculoskeletal discomfort, mood, short-term glycemic responses when used as breaks, and self-reported interruptions of sitting time; however, evidence on objectively measured sitting time reduction is limited and heterogeneous. Meta-analysis of trials reporting sitting-time or validated break frequency showed small reductions favoring yoga/active-break conditions but with high heterogeneity and limited sample sizes. Mechanisms likely include light-to-moderate physical activity during poses, improved autonomic regulation, better posture, and behavioral cues that interrupt prolonged sitting. Conclusions: Yoga-based workplace strategies (micro-breaks, scheduled lunchtime sessions, or brief guided breaks) are feasible, acceptable, and can reduce some harms associated with prolonged sitting; but current evidence is insufficient to conclude consistent, clinically important reductions in total daily sitting time. High-quality, adequately powered randomized trials with objective sitting measures and longer follow-up are needed.

Introduction: Asana, the main component of yogic physical practice, is sure to promote motor skills and cognitive functions in normal and special needs children. Neural connectivity of vestibular organ with cognitive areas of the higher brain through the cerebellum and the locus coeruleus of the pons and induce neurotrophic factors, e.g., BDNF (brain-derived neurotrohphic factor) may transform balance motor skills to cognitive abilities with regular practice of asana. This open a scope of the role of Balancing Asana (BA) on cognition. So, the present study built on this premise of the mechanism of BA and cognition. Thus, a set of BA was introduced to children, and their balance and cognitive function were examined. Methods: Forty school children between 10 and 13 years were randomized as BA and control groups(n=20 each; mean age 11.4 ± 1.2 years). The children were assessed for cognition to the Stroop color-word task for children and balance the Bass stick test. After the pretest, the BA group practiced a set of BA 30 minutes daily, five days a week for six weeks,while the control group continued with their usual routine. Both groups were assessed at the end of six weeks. Results: Within-group and between-group results showed that the BA group significantly improved the Stroop color tasks (p<0.001) and Bass stick test balance (p<0.001) compared to a control group with larger effect sizes. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that BA impacts vestibular connectivity, which helps in inducing balance and improving balancing skills, thereby enhancing children's cognitive ability.

Aim of the study: The study compared the immediate effects of a single session of yoga nidra (YN) and massage therapy (MT) on relaxation levels, vigor and affect in patients receiving either of the two therapies, both administered when supine and intended for relaxation. Methods and Material: In this exploratory comparative study, sixty patients were recruited from a wellness center in north India. Of these, thirty patients received YN (average age ± SD: 40.80 ± 14.10 years; male:female ratio: 21:9), while thirty patients received MT (average age ± SD: 47.10 ± 13.26 years; male:female: 14:16). Patients completed the relaxation state questionnaire (RSQ) and global vigor and affect scale (GVA) before and after YN or MT. Data were analysed using SPSS 24.0. Results: MT alone increased general relaxation (p<0.05; RM-ANOVA). Both interventions (1) increased muscle relaxation, (2) decreased sleepiness and (3) increased global vigor and global affect (p<0.05; in all cases RM-ANOVA). Conclusion: The present findings support both YN and MT as relaxing practices which increase positive affect and vigor, YN may be preferred if relaxation is to be accompanied by better awareness (lower sleepiness 32.33 versus 23.29 percent, YN vs. MT respectively), whereas MT facilitates muscle and overall relaxation.

The research employs various diagnostic modalities which include microbial enumeration, identification of microbial species, and assessment of antimicrobial activity, to establish a baseline microbial profile of the Bramhyadi tablet. The “Stability Study of Bramhyadi Tablet” focuses on evaluating the stability study in regard of microbial quality of Bramhyadi tablets. This study aims to assess the changes in the tablet’s physical, and microbiological properties over time (14 months) to determine its shelf life and microbial stability throughout the study period. The study investigates the effects of different atmosphere and packaging materials on the tablet’s stability and microbial contamination by smear and culture examination. The absence of microbial growth in Bramhyadi tablet throughout the study provide valuable insights into the shelf life and microbial stability of drug. So, drug is stable at different atmosphere (highest temperature 107° F & 80° F minimum temperature and humidity (Maximum 85% & minimum 13%) and can be stored in plastic zipped bag. The findings help to determine the appropriate storage conditions, expiration date, and recommended microbial quality standards for the product.

Recurrent seizures and a substantial psychosocial cost are hallmarks of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Almost one-third of individuals still have drug-resistant epilepsy or unfavorable treatment side effects despite advancements in antiepileptic medication. These difficulties have prompted research into supplementary therapies like yoga. With an emphasis on clinical results, neurophysiological mechanisms, and methodological quality, this systematic and narrative-integrative review summarizes peer-reviewed research on yoga therapies in epilepsy. Clinical and mechanistic research published between 1980 and 2025 were found using a PRISMA 2020-aligned search of key biomedical databases. According to research, yoga may provide further advantages for autonomic regulation, stress reduction, seizure management, and quality of life. However, methodological constraints and variation call for more thorough testing and careful interpretation.

The concept of Nabhi Chyuti, which is commonly known as navel displacement, is an idea in traditional Hatha Yoga and Ayurvedic practices. Classical yoga texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, Shiva Samhita and Yogashikha Upanishad describe the navel or nabhi as the energetic and anatomical center of the body. The nabhi governs the manipura chakra and digestive fire also known as agni. Some yoga therapists today think that the symptoms of Nabhi Chyuti, such as stomach pain, digestive problems, tiredness and emotional imbalance are similar to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or problems with the digestive system. This review looks at thirty sources, including old yogic texts and recent research studies published between 2000 and 2026. These studies examine how yoga affects health and core stability. The searches were done on PubMed, Google Scholar and other databases. The findings show that old texts suggest eating in moderation doing yoga poses like Naukasana, Vajrasana, Pavanamuktasana and Dhanurasana and regulating breathing to balance the body’s energy and structure. Research studies support these ideas showing that yoga can affect the vagus nerve, parasympathetic activation and gut movement (Kuttner et al., 2006; Cramer et al., 2013; Innes et al., 2015). Nabhi Chyuti seems to be both an emotional imbalance. By comparing yogic ideas with scientific evidence this article confirms that Hatha Yoga can help manage stomach and stress-related problems. However more research is needed to create diagnostic and clinical frameworks. Future studies should include randomized trials that examine yoga-based realignment protocols and objective measures of navel position, muscle activity and communication, between the gut and the brain. The concept of Nabhi Chyuti and its symptoms are important to understand in order to provide treatment. Nabhi Chyuti is a condition that can be treated with Hatha Yoga and other holistic approaches. The practice of Hatha Yoga can help restore balance to the body and mind.

Fungal infections, moreover known as mycoses, are ailments caused by various classes of fungi that distress the skin, nails, mucous membranes, and internal tissues. These infections array from superficial conditions such as ringworm and candidiasis to unembellished systemic infections that can be life-threatening, predominantly in immune-compromised individuals. Common causative organisms embrace Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus and dermatophytes. Aspects such as poor hygiene, sustained antibiotic use, diabetes, and weakened immunity surge susceptibility to fungal infections. Diagnosis is based on clinical investigation, microscopic appraisal, culture techniques, and molecular procedures. Early diagnosis and apt management are essential to prevent complications and mend patient consequences. In modern medication, fungal infections are treated with antifungal remedies. In Ayurveda, fungal infections can be interrelated with conditions such as Dadru Kushtha and other skin disorders caused by the discrepancy of Kapha and Pitta doshas. Ayurveda accentuates treating the root cause through refinement therapies, dietary amendments, and the use of herbal medicines with antimicrobial and skin-healing properties such as Khadirarista, Swarna garika, rogyawardhani, Gandhaka, local application of Brihata Marichayadi taila. Sustaining proper hygiene and a well-adjusted lifestyle is also considered important for preclusion. Here is a case study of 40-year-old male patient with complaints of itching, dryness, redness, inflamed skin, burning sensation with sometimes water discharge. The case is treated agnificently within 7 days with the given medication. An assimilated approach combining modern diagnosis with Ayurvedic principles may help in the active management of fungal infections. Increasing cognizance, preventive measures, and advances in antifungal therapy play a vital role in controlling the comprehensive burden of fungal diseases.