STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Laying emphasis on the need to understand the relation of mind-body axis in relation to cardiovascular diseases and its prevention through spiritual and religious healing, Dr. Sushil Sharma, Head Department of Cardiology, GMCH on Sunday conducted a day long camp at Saint Balak Yogeshwer Dass Ashram, Pouni area of District Reasi.
The camp was inaugurated by Saint Balak Yogeshwar Dass Maharaj along with Dr Sushil Sharma in presence of various disciples who gathered at culmination ceremony of Ati Vishnu Maha Jagya in mythological memory of the Country’s immortal martyrs.
More than 800 people were screened; evaluated, diagnosed and free medicines were given as per the requirements.
Dr Sushil Sharma in his opening remarks told that not only can meditation improve heart functions, but a regular practice can enhance outlook on life and motivate to maintain many heart-healthy behaviors, like following a proper diet, getting adequate sleep, and keeping up regular exercise.
“Sitting and being still isn’t the only way to practice meditation. Mind-body activities like yoga are similar to meditation in that they emphasize slow movements, controlled breathing, and mental focus. Even exercises that emphasize steady, repetitive movements, such as riding a bike, swimming laps, or walking can be a form of meditation, if you focus your brain on the task at hand,” he said.
He further stated that Research has found that meditation can positively affect a measure of heart health known as heart rate variability (HRV). HRV reflects how quickly your heart makes small changes in the time interval between each heartbeat. A high HRV is a sign of healthier heart. A 2013 study found that low HRV is associated with a 32% to 45% increased risk of heart attack or stroke among people without cardiovascular disease. As with any new endeavor, it takes time to learn meditation and build confidence in one’s ability. Dr. Sharma recommended that one should begin small and give space to progress at one’s own speed.. “Doing some meditation, no matter how brief, is always better than nothing,” said Dr Sharma.
In concluding notes Dr Sharma told that meditation is believed to be efficacious in reducing sympathetic activity, lowering cortisol levels and reducing negative behavioral activity. Studies have shown that in addition to decreasing CV mortality, the beneficial effects of meditation improve conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and high cortisol levels. However, future studies on the effects of meditation on health are essential to establish a nonbiased view of this emerging landscape.
Saint Balak Yogeshwer Dass appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil and his team for conducting Cardiac awareness cum Health check up camp at such far flung area with special Emphasis on maintaining spiritual well being which indirectly affects Cardiovascular health.
Others who were part of this event includes Dr Anitipal Singh (Ortho), Dr Dhaneshwer Kapoor, Dr Sajan Kumar, Dr Abhinandan Thakur , Dr Neeraj Koul and Dr Sameer Mahajan. Paramedics and volunteers includes Naveen Sharma, Kamal Sharma, Raghav Rajput, Ranjeet Singh, Paramveer Singh, Sandeep Pal, Sahil Sharma, Akshay Kumar, Suraj Parkash, Sandeep Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Maninder Singh , Vikas Kumar, Amandeep Singh, Harvinder Singh, Gourav Nandal and numerous disciple of the Ashram.
