Archived Abstracts
Alternative Therapies for Mind, Body and Soul Throughout India
Location
Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
44
Start Date
4-8-2020 12:00 PM
End Date
4-8-2020 1:15 PM
Department
Public Health
Abstract
For thousands of years complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) was the most commonly used practice of medicine (WHO, 2017). Over time, Western or conventional medicine advanced and transformed society to non-CAM methods for disease management and treatment. Prescriptions, other drugs and surgeries provide for that option resulting in many people thinking that the use of conventional medicine is the only treatment for certain illnesses or diseases and needed to achieve a healthy lifestyle (Abdelmalek, Alkhawaja, & Darwish, 2016). More recently, CAM methods have been increasingly used and recommended for managing and treating diseases. Studies suggest that the CAM methods of yoga and meditation appear to regulate stress response systems and in turn help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, among other health ailments (Harvard Health Publishing, 2018). To explore the benefits of yoga and meditation and its connection to public health, a review of literature was conducted using keywords of yoga, health, meditation, mindfulness, India and complementary and alternative medicine. In addition, multiple qualitative methods including interviews, photography, observation and photovoice were implemented in Vrindavan and Rishikesh, India, otherwise known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Results supported previous literature on the many individual health benefits including improved physical and mental health and the potential to reduce crime and violence. Public health recommendations include implementing more yoga and meditation programs in schools, workplaces and community settings. Doing so could lead to decreased risk for disease, lower healthcare costs, and improved overall health and well-being for individuals and communities.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jennifer Hall
Rights Statement
The right to download or print any portion of this material is granted by the copyright owner only for personal or educational use. The author/creator retains all proprietary rights, including copyright ownership. Any editing, other reproduction or other use of this material by any means requires the express written permission of the copyright owner. Except as provided above, or for any other use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.), you may not reproduce, republish, post, transmit or distribute any material from this web site in any physical or digital form without the permission of the copyright owner of the material.
Alternative Therapies for Mind, Body and Soul Throughout India
Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center
For thousands of years complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) was the most commonly used practice of medicine (WHO, 2017). Over time, Western or conventional medicine advanced and transformed society to non-CAM methods for disease management and treatment. Prescriptions, other drugs and surgeries provide for that option resulting in many people thinking that the use of conventional medicine is the only treatment for certain illnesses or diseases and needed to achieve a healthy lifestyle (Abdelmalek, Alkhawaja, & Darwish, 2016). More recently, CAM methods have been increasingly used and recommended for managing and treating diseases. Studies suggest that the CAM methods of yoga and meditation appear to regulate stress response systems and in turn help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, among other health ailments (Harvard Health Publishing, 2018). To explore the benefits of yoga and meditation and its connection to public health, a review of literature was conducted using keywords of yoga, health, meditation, mindfulness, India and complementary and alternative medicine. In addition, multiple qualitative methods including interviews, photography, observation and photovoice were implemented in Vrindavan and Rishikesh, India, otherwise known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Results supported previous literature on the many individual health benefits including improved physical and mental health and the potential to reduce crime and violence. Public health recommendations include implementing more yoga and meditation programs in schools, workplaces and community settings. Doing so could lead to decreased risk for disease, lower healthcare costs, and improved overall health and well-being for individuals and communities.