In a first, PGI’s Advanced Cardiac Centre starts yoga for patients, caregivers at OPD

In a pioneering move towards holistic healthcare, PGIMER’s ACC in collaboration with the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) commenced yoga sessions for patients and caregivers to enhance their cardiac and mental wellbeing, officials said.

Theme a ‘Harmonizing Hearts: Uniting Yoga and Cardiology for Holistic Wellness’, the launch session was organised at the ACC OPD Complex, where more than 500 patients and caregivers, along with resident doctors, nursing officers and staff members performed simple ‘asanas’ and ‘pranayam’ under the guidance of a CCRYN team, PGI officials said.

“Yoga is not merely a physical exercise; it is a pathway to mental harmony and overall wellbeing. By aligning our breath with movement, we synchronise our body and mind, fostering inner peace and resilience. It’s essential to recognise the benefits of yoga for our health,” PGI Director Prof Vivek Lal said.

Underpinning the therapeutic potential of yoga in addressing blockages in arteries, Prof Lal said, “Yoga offers a holistic approach to cardiovascular health, including the potential to address blockages in arteries. Through regular practice, individuals can experience improved blood flow, reduced stress and enhanced overall heart function.”

Encouraging participants to incorporate brief yoga into their daily routines, it was emphasised that during the waiting period in the OPD, patients should connect with their breath and engage in a simple five-minute yoga protocol to cultivate inner calm and rejuvenation.

Dr Neelam Dahiya, Department of Cardiology, the brain behind the initiative, shared her insights on the intersection of yoga and cardiology. Emphasising the profound impact of yoga on heart health, she stated, “Yoga is a cornerstone in the foundation of cardiac care, offering both physical and mental peace. Integrating yoga into cardiology fosters a holistic approach to health, empowering individuals to nurture their hearts and minds in unison. We intend to make this an integral part of our medical advice/treatment.”

According to Dr Dahiya, the idea behind the project goes beyond physical wellbeing and strives to ease the stress and anxiety of patients and their caregivers as they wait in the OPD for their turn. “From 8 am to 9 am, instead of sitting there and waiting for their turn, we have decided that they should be involved in some simple breathing exercises and postures that will improve the quality of their lives and help manage stress. We are so encouraged by the response. In the future, we will design some specific modules for patients. This will now be a daily practice, and PGI is the first hospital in India to introduce the concept.”

Prof Akshay Anand, Department of Neurology, a proponent of yoga as an intervention in PGIMER, stated, “The collaboration between ACC and CCRYN represents a significant stride towards integrating complementary therapies into conventional medical practices. By incorporating yoga into the waiting period at the ACC OPD, PGIMER demonstrates its commitment to patient-centric care that prioritises overall wellbeing.”

Prof Anand added that the initiative, the first of its kind, not only encourages patients to exercise but helps them undergo the process, with trained professionals addressing their queries. This will be a regular feature.”

Kamal Swarup Gautam from Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, said, “I joined a yoga class two months ago at my home after my treatment at PGI. The one-hour class has set my routine. I wake up early and the breathing exercise and relaxing yoga postures helped my body and mind.”