Yoga is a systematic practice aimed at developing harmony in different parts of the body, mind, and environment. The practices entail low impact physical activity postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), relaxation, and meditation. In Kundalini Yoga the meditation involves performing a formless contemplation at different points including the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus The purpose of this study was to develop, pilot test, and evaluate a Kundalini Yoga training program for adults in a Midwestern city. A basic course of six weeks was designed and pilot-tested with weekly classes. A psychometric scale was developed that measured perceived knowledge, outcome expectations, outcome expectancies, self-efficacy for performing asanas, relaxation, meditation and recollection of the frequency of these behaviors performed in the past week. A total of 33 participants completed the entire program. Using a pre-test, post-test design statistically significant changes were found in all the variables. The approach and tools developed in this pilot testing can be used to explore the efficacy of this program in influencing the outcomes of several disease recovery and health promotion programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation the participants will be able to: 1. Describe the basic approach of Kundalini Yoga. 2. Evaluate the basic training program of Kundalini Yoga and the psychometric tools developed to measure behavioral constructs. 3. Identify possible explorations of this approach in influencing the outcomes of several disease recovery and health promotion programs
Keywords: Training, Alternative Medicine/Therapies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.