restoring human values in medicine: role of yoga

RESTORING HUMAN VALUES IN MEDICINE: ROLE OF YOGA

Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani1 & Madanmohan2

1Deputy Director CYTER and 2Director CYTER & Head Dept of Physiology MGMC & RI, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth,

Pondicherry, India.

SRI BALAJI VIDYAPEETH(Deemed University Accredited with “A” Grade by NAAC)

Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education

and Research (CYTER)Salutogenesis, our focus!

Introduction• Recent developments showcased through social media

highlight a lack of human values in modern medical professionals.

• Compassion, empathy and a sincere desire to relieve suffering are found lacking and this seemingly becomes even rarer as qualifications increase.

• Kidney rackets, unnecessary surgeries, laboratory referral commissions and inflated bills are commonly bemoaned.

• Recently medical students in Chennai were found throwing a poor dog off their rooftop in glee.

Why yoga? • Yoga, an ancient cultural heritage of India is spreading

rapidly; practiced by millions globally.• Offers a broader perspective of life and refines all round

personality (purna purusha)• Enables the attainment of inherent potential of each

individual in a holistic manner. • Yoga is not just a system of exercise but is a way of life, an

attitude and a conscious lifestyle. • A Yogi is just a good human being.

• Shouldn’t our doctors be good human beings?

Why yoga? .................. Contd

• Stresses importance of social and personal values– Yama (restraints of subhuman tendencies such as

violence, stealing and greed etc), and – Niyama (humane observances: cleanliness,

contentment, self-introspection & discipline). • Inculcation of these universal values in medical

students can help them be more humane in their life and profession.

• Provides a contextual purpose for life and service.

Suggested mechanisms• Psycho-physical techniques of Yoga such as asana,

pranayama, mudra, dharana and dhyana enable attainment of physical, mental and emotional fitness.

• Skilful & efficient management of stressors through induction of relaxation response.

• A broader worldview enables doctors to fulfil their responsibility (dharma) in the spirit of nishkama karma (non-attachment to results of one’s actions).

• This prevents unhealthy “Me first”, “Make the most money”, “Who cares as long as I am safe” type of attitudes from developing in medical professionals.

Empathy is the key!

Empathy is the key!• A healthy connection with our inner self (antaratma)

creates a cheerful, strong and compassionate professional; empathetic towards the suffering.

• We must remember:– When we are at peace, at ease with ourselves; we can

serve others better.– By serving others, we serve ourselves too.– The more we give, the more we receive.– We thus become pure tools of the divine.

We thus self actualize ourselves.

Integrating Yoga in Medical Curriculum

Prof MadanmohanMBBS, MD, MSc, DSc (Yoga)

• Prof and Head, Physiology, MGMC&RI & Director CYTER, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth

• Former Director-Professor & Director ACYTER, JIPMER

• Yoga for Medicos since 1977

Integrating Yoga in mainstream medicine has been his life mission

JIPMER 2008JIPMER 2008

SBV 2013-15SBV 2013-15

SBV 2016SBV 2016

In conclusion

• Introduction of Yoga as a holistic way of life with its ashta anga (eight components) in medical education can inculcate a compassionate sense of karuna and seva (selfless service) towards our human brethren.

• Even illness becomes wellness when we consciously move from the limited sense of “I” to a broader inclusive “WE"

• This can motivate young doctors to be vehicles of change thus restoring once again the much extolled nobility of our medical profession.

Accredited with ‘AA’ grade by NAAC