At present YRF is working on projects involving fundamental research, clinical research and applied research. Clinical research is being conducted in the areas of asthma and COPD, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cervical spondylitis and chronic idiopathic headache. In the area of basic research, the effects of pranayama on partial pressure of oxygen in capillary blood, pulse-rate and BP are being studied. The effects of the shatkarmas, various asanas, yoga nidra and mantra chanting on BP, pulse-rate and PEFR (peak expiratory flow rate) are being studied in healthy people as well as in those with asthma, diabetes and high BP.
Scientific research is being conducted on the application of yoga, especially with children. Studies are underway into the effects of three specific yoga practices on the age of onset of puberty and behaviour patterns in pubertal years (such as aggression and oversensuality), the effect of the ashram environment and yoga practices on overall mental (creativity, reasoning, behaviour and memory) and physical development and the effects of yoga practices on memory and pre-examination anxiety in higher secondary school students. A questionnaire is being developed to test awareness, discrimination and the quality of simplicity.
Past research has been conducted into diabetes, high cholesterol and asthma. Extensive basic research has been conducted on surya namaskara, nadi shodhana and bhastrika pranayama. The effects of yoga nidra on creativity have also been documented, and the effects of yoga in pregnancy investigated.
Alongside the research continuing at the headquarters of Yoga Research Foundation at Ganga Darshan, Munger, there are numerous projects being carried out in centres following the teachings of Bihar/Satyananda Yoga worldwide. The effects of yoga on improving proficiency, for example, in the defence services, in prisons and in children are under investigation. Future plans include literary, scriptural, medical and scientific investigations into other little known aspects of yoga for physical health, mental wellbeing and spiritual upliftment.
Through its investigations into the ancient truths as told in tantra and yoga and research into its modern aspects, the Yoga Research Foundation is not only bringing to light the little-known traditional theories and practices of the ancient world, but also bridging the gap between the east and the west, the ancient and the modern world.
The outcome is a splendid alignment of science and spirituality based within a systematic and practical framework so that contemporary aspirants can understand and apply it in their lives. This is most relevant for the physical health, mental well-being and spiritual upliftment of humankind today.
