Meta-analysis on Meditation and Pranayama for Post-COVID symptoms
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Metanalysis on Meditation in Post- Covid Psychophysical Symptoms w.s.r to Pranayama
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Original source:
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Ankita Rai
Phd Scholar, Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Metanalysis on Meditation in Post- Covid Psychophysical Symptoms w.s.r to Pranayama
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9i3.936
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered individuals' perspectives, leading to a heightened focus on materialism, mental health challenges, and disruptions caused by lockdowns and economic instability. Alongside physical health issues, many recovered individuals experience psycho-physical symptoms such as depression and anxiety during the post-recovery phase. This article delves into the role of meditation and pranayama (breathing practices) as effective tools for managing these psychological symptoms that have emerged as a consequence of the pandemic.
The Efficacy of Meditation in Post-COVID Recovery
Meditation, described as a component of Patanjali's Ashtanga (eight-limbed) Yoga, involves a non-judgmental flow of awareness that can significantly alleviate mental distress. Research indicates that meditation is effective in mitigating the psychological effects of COVID-19, particularly in those who have recovered but continue to face residual symptoms. Studies highlight that meditative practices lead to substantial improvements in emotional regulation through enhanced activity in brain areas associated with these functions, underscoring meditation's role as a pivotal strategy for psychological recovery after the pandemic.
The Importance of Pranayama in Stress Management
Pranayama, or yogic breathing techniques, also plays a critical role in the post-COVID rehabilitation process. It has been shown to decrease the physiological response to stress by modestly stimulating the vagus nerve and reducing inflammatory markers in the body. Practicing pranayama enhances respiratory functioning, increases lung capacity, and strengthens overall immune response, making it a valuable tool in recovery strategies. The synergy of pranayama and meditation provides a comprehensive approach to managing the extensive and complex psycho-physical symptoms arising from the pandemic experience.
Conclusion
After examining various scientific articles on the impact of meditation and pranayama in alleviating post-COVID symptoms, it is evident that both practices contribute positively to physical and psychological health. The unforeseen changes in lifestyle due to the pandemic have led to significant psychological distress among individuals. While medication can address physical ailments, psychological well-being often requires more nuanced solutions. Meditation and pranayama present themselves as reliable options, promoting mental healing and fostering a greater sense of well-being amidst ongoing uncertainties.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the metanalysis on meditation?
The metanalysis examines the role of meditation in managing post-COVID psychological symptoms, particularly in relation to breathing practices. It highlights how meditation can alleviate physical and psychological health issues experienced by individuals recovering from COVID-19.
What psychological symptoms are associated with post-COVID recovery?
Individuals recovering from COVID-19 often experience psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fear, and feelings of paranoia. These symptoms can persist for an extended period and are exacerbated by social isolation and economic hardships.
How does meditation help individuals post-COVID-19?
Meditation has been shown to reduce physiological symptoms, lower stress markers, and promote mental well-being. It facilitates emotional regulation and provides inner solace, making it an effective practice for enhancing recovery and resilience in post-COVID-19 patients.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Meta-analysis on Meditation and Pranayama for Post-COVID symptoms�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Meditation:
Meditation is highlighted as an evidence-based practice that has shown significant benefits in managing post-COVID psychological symptoms. Studies indicate its ability to reduce psychological stress, improve emotional regulation, and provide inner peace, making it a reliable option for mental health recovery during the post-pandemic phase.
2) Yoga:
Yoga, including practices such as Asana and Pranayama, has been shown to reduce psychological stress and strengthen the immune system. It is emphasized for its role in improving respiratory function and increasing overall well-being, further supported by guidelines from the Government of India's Ministry of AYUSH.
3) Depression:
Depression is one of the most notable psycho-physical symptoms faced by individuals recovering from COVID-19. The text indicates the significant impact of meditation and Yoga practices in reducing these symptoms, fostering emotional well-being and relieving the mental burdens experienced post-recovery.
4) Science (Scientific):
[see source text or glossary: Scientific]
5) Dhyana:
Dhyana, or meditation, is one of the eight limbs of Yoga as explained by Patanjali. It focuses on the non-judgmental and sequential movement of thoughts and awareness. The text highlights its effectiveness in managing psycho-physical symptoms in post-COVID patients, promoting mental peace and reducing stress.
6) India:
India is the contextual setting for the research, particularly the All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi, where the study on meditation and its benefits for post-COVID psychophysical symptoms was conducted. The Ministry of AYUSH in India also provides guidelines that endorse Yoga practices for COVID-19 recovery.
7) Fear:
Fear is identified as a prevalent post-COVID symptom, persisting in the subconscious minds of recovered patients. The text suggests that practices like meditation and pranayama can help alleviate such psychological symptoms, contributing to emotional stabilization and the overall mental health of individuals.
8) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
9) Disease:
[see source text or glossary: Disease]
10) Asana (Ashana):
Asana, which refers to Yoga postures, is part of the rehabilitation methods recommended for post-COVID patients. These practices help reduce psychological stress, improve respiratory function, and contribute to overall physical and mental health, making them integral to Yoga-based recovery programs.
11) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
12) New Delhi:
New Delhi is the location of the All India Institute of Ayurveda, where the study was conducted. The city is part of the broader setting in India, where the Ministry of AYUSH issued guidelines promoting Yoga and meditation for COVID-19 recovery, indicating its pivotal role in the research.
13) Discussion:
The discussion section of the text elaborates on the significance of meditation in addressing post-COVID psychophysical symptoms. It underscores the historical and scientific perspectives on meditation, explaining its diverse effects on mind, intellect, and emotions, and its ability to facilitate emotional regulation through changes in brain activity.
14) Patanjali:
Patanjali is credited with documenting the eight-limbed Yoga, including Dhyana (meditation). The text references Patanjali's description of meditation as a movement of non-judgmental, sequential thoughts and awareness, highlighting its role in achieving mental peace and managing post-COVID psychological symptoms.
15) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is referenced in the context of the All India Institute of Ayurveda, where the research was conducted. The study aligns with Ayurvedic principles, integrating traditional practices like meditation and Yoga to manage post-COVID psychophysical symptoms, underscoring Ayurveda's holistic approach to health.
16) Bhramari:
[see source text or glossary: Bhramari]
17) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
[see source text or glossary: Astanga]
18) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
[see source text or glossary: Sharma]
19) Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: Delhi]
20) Patel:
[see source text or glossary: Patel]
21) Death:
Death is cited as an inevitable outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to immense emotional turmoil, sorrow, and depression among survivors. The text highlights the role of meditation in managing these psychological effects, promoting mental health recovery and emotional resilience among the affected individuals.
22) Fight:
The 'fight or flight' response, generally triggered by stress, is mentioned in the context of how Yoga practices like Asana, Pranayama, and Dhyana can mitigate this response. These practices increase vagal stimulation and reduce stress markers, helping to manage the physiological impacts of anxiety and stress.
23) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]
24) Veda:
[see source text or glossary: Vedic]
25) Pain:
Pain, particularly psychological pain, is a prominent issue in post-COVID recovery. While physical pain can be managed with medications, the psychological aspects present a greater challenge. The text advocates for the use of meditation to address this, providing a non-pharmacological solution to alleviate mental distress.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Meta-analysis on Meditation and Pranayama for Post-COVID symptoms�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ashtanga Yoga, Dhyana, Yogic practice, Inner peace, Physical health, Breathing practices, Psychological health, Social isolation, Cognitive decline, COVID-19 Pandemic, Psychophysical symptoms, Mindfulness-based stress reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.