AIIMS centre set up for yoga research

To scientifically validate benefits of yoga, the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences is starting a Centre for Integrative Medicines and Research to conduct research into medical benefits of yoga. The centre will focus on research to authenticate the benefits of yoga and ayurveda. Union health minister J.P. Nadda will inaugurate the centre on Wednesday, June 22.

According to nodal officer of the new research centre, Dr Gautam Sharma, the Centre for Integrative Medicines and Research will establish scientific evidence of the therapeutic benefits of yoga and incorporate it into the conventional system of health management.

“There are lots of questions raised on the scientific or medical validity of yoga despite large number of people within the country and across the globe practising it for healthier life. It is a dedicated centre, which conducts research, to scientifically validate ancient Indian sciences for curing ailments and also for healthier life. Once benefits of yoga would be established by proper research, it will clear all the doubts against yoga and it will be accepted by the medical community and general public at large,” said Dr Sharma.

The Centre will try to find out benefits of yoga for cardiac care, physiology, cancer research, geriatric medicine, dental education, infectious diseases, ayurveda, clinical care in conjunction with conventional modern medicine.

“The centre will identify areas of research (immediate and long-term) with the help of other departments of the AIIMS, using options or using alternative medicine, can avail the research facilities for scientifically establishing ancient Indian way of treatment,” added Dr Sharma.

Any department planning to conduct research to establish benefits of yoga or ayurveda will be provided necessary help to carry out the clinical trials and research activities at the centre.