PGI Chandigarh starts yoga sessions for patients, caregivers at OPD
Chandigarh: In an initiative to ease patients anxiety, the advanced cardiac Centre of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh has introduced yoga sessions for patients and their caregivers during the waiting period for OPD.
The inaugural session, held on Saturday, witnessed the participation of over 500 patients, caregivers, resident doctors, nursing officers, and staff.
A team from the Yoga Research Council led participants in simple asanas and pranayama to promote well-being. This marks the first instance of incorporating yoga practices within the OPD waiting areas at an institute of national importance, according to medical professionals. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the advanced cardiac centre and the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy at PGIMER.
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As per a recent media report by Times of India, commenting on the benefit of Yoga, PGI director Prof Vivek Lal stated, "Many ailments can be treated by yoga, including mental and physical issues. Our ancient seers used to live in a healthy way with yoga as a way of life. Yoga offers a holistic approach to cardiovascular health and the potential to address blockages in arteries. Through regular practice, individuals can experience improved blood flow, reduced stress, and enhanced overall heart function."
The snippets of the event were shared on social media while stating, "Perhaps global first, as Advanced Cardiac Centre of PGI takes lead in walking the talk: doctors of PGI do not just profess healthy lifestyle to their patients but actually train them in yogic breathing techniques as they wait for their turn for a daily check-up. Expected to be a daily routine, Director PGI joins the patients, the Medical Superintendent, Dr Vijayvargiya, and faculty colleagues, staff, and students while Dr Neelam Dahiya, the Assoc Prof at Cardiology translates her idea into action with PGI’s Yoga Centre’s proactive support in providing science-based quality training to patients and caregivers."
Professor Rajesh Vijayvergiya from the Department of Cardiology expressed that the introduction of yoga sessions aligns with PGI's dedication to patient-centred care, emphasizing the institution's proactive stance toward promoting holistic health. Additionally, Kamal Swarup Gautam from Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh, shared a positive experience, stating that practicing yoga, initiated around two months ago after treatment at PGI, has been interesting and beneficial. He highlighted the positive impact on his routine, fostering a habit of starting each morning with refreshing breaths and relaxing yoga postures.
Prof Akshay Anand from the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy told TOI, “We will soon expand these sessions to other centres in PGIMER. This represents a significant stride towards integrating complementary therapies into conventional medical practices.”
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