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International Electives Shuli Bonham - India, Spring 2007 Shuli attended an advanced training program in biofeedback techniques and Ayurvedic medicine in Uttaranchal, India. She attended an invitation-only training seminar in advanced yoga and meditation/relaxation techniques at Sadhaka Grama center in Rishikesh. She also spent time at the associated Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust in nearby Dehradun. The educational goal for her elective was to study the medical applications of the focused relaxation techniques found in yoga.
The Sadhaka Grama is a retreat and training center lead by Dr. Usharbudh Arya (Swami Veda Bharati). One of the goals of the seminar Shuli attended was to bring together medical researchers and clinicians to discuss research into the physiologic effects of different meditation techniques, including ongoing work being done evaluating EEG changes, blood pressure management, and depression/anxiety therapies. The Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust is an established allopathic (western medicine) hospital and research center associated with the Sadhaka Grama, with a department dedicated to research into the physiologic effects of different meditation techniques. The Cardiac Prevention Program there evaluates the effects of diet, exercise, and stress reduction techniques such as biofeedback and special breathing exercises in patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias. As part of her elective, Shuli spent time with Dr. Vinod and Dr. Kusum Upadhyay, who direct the Ayurvedic Medicine program at Sadhaka Grama and also teach at the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust’s medical school. |
