I’m receiving so much information about the Sudarshan Kriya. What
follows is some info that my teacher Jay Khoosal sent me. He’s a
dentist, so kinda knows he’s stuff.
Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a modern breathing technique rooted in the
ancient yogic tradition, is showing promising results as an adjunct
therapy for depression, panic attack disorder and general anxiety.
In a pilot study conducted at the Department of Neurosciences,
Fatebenefratelli Hospital (FH) in Milan, an innovative therapy based
on the application of SKY to patients affected by depression,
generalised anxiety and panic attacks yielded the following results
after the first six months:
Average reduction of 60% in the rate of depression (according to the
standard tests)
Average reduction of 40% in the rate of psychosis (according to the
standard tests)
Significant improvement in the cognitive functions, which became
evident in clinical interviews
Effect of SKY on the parasympathetic tone as evidenced by correlation
between cardiological data and respiratory parameters (RSA) SKY was
formulated by Indian spiritual leader and humanitarian H.H.Sri Sri
Ravi Shankar, in 1981, and is taught by trainers of the Art of
Living Foundation in over 140 countries including South
Africa.Millions of people from all backgrounds, traditions and
cultures have learned the technique. Research published in
international peer-reviewed journals document significant mental and
physical health
benefits of SKY.
The therapeutic effect of SKY is believed to be based mainly on the
rebalancing of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, as
a result of which there is a positive effect on the stress mechanisms,
and on anxiety and mood related ailments. Its effect is being studied
in depth in a series of questionnaire-based and laboratory tests at
FH.
Commenting on the study, Dr. Claudio Mencacci, Director of the
Department of Neurosciences at FH, said, “The task of modern
neuroscience is to look for new evidence, but also to rediscover
convincing methods of ancient treatments in a new setting.”
Dr. Stefania Doria, the scientist responsible for the project,
explained that the choice of SKY “was motivated by some key
characteristics of the set of techniques: they are easy to learn and
are based on both a modern and ancient system of yoga. They can be
practised by patients independently at home, and with little
investment of time… They give tangible results in a short period of
time, encouraging the patient to become more independent and
consequently have greater self-respect.”
“Our objective is to help the patients play a leading role in their
therapy process and to discover their personal resources, which are
the key to an authentic recovery from their illness, to regain their
quality of life,” states Dr. Roberto Sanlorenzo, SKY trainer and
molecular biologist.
“We are aware of the large increase in problems connected to anxiety
and mood ailments in recent years,” he continues, “and of the growing
demand for an adjunct therapy like SKY, which brings together the
holistic nature of ancient methods of treatment, with a rigorous
medical and scientific context. By 2010, we intend to enrol over 200
patients at FH on the continuation of this study. Encouraged by these
results, similar projects will start in various health institutes all
over Italy.”
South Africans can learn SKY through the local non-profit organisation
Art of Living Foundation,
Contact 011 781 7687 or nationaloffice@artofliving.org.za or visit
http://www.artofliving.org.za.
Editor’s Notes:
The following supporting docs are available: Objectives of study
Science of Breath – an overview of scientific studies on SKY
Weblinks:
Yoga for Anxiety and Depression, Harvard Mental Health Letter, April 2009:
Official website of research on SKY: http://www.aolresearch.org
Art of Living Foundation: http://www.artofliving.org.za
“Existence is a fact, Living is an art” – Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
About Haroun Kola
