Chandigarh, 22nd February 2025: A workshop on “Integrative Medicine: Bridging Science and Holistic Healing for Comprehensive Care” was successfully conducted at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. The event was organized under the leadership of Dr. Pramod K. Avti, Additional Professor, Department of Biophysics, and Dr. Krishan Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, along with Organizing Chairman Dr. Akshay Anand, Professor-in-Charge of the CCRYN-Collaborative Centre for Mind-Body Intervention through Yoga, PGIMER, and Dr. Raghvendra Rao, Director of CCRYN, Ministry of AYUSH, New Delhi.
The event commenced with a mesmerizing musical yoga performance by trainers from the Yoga Centre at PGIMER, followed by a formal inauguration. Chief Guest Dr. B. N. Gangadhar, Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and Emeritus Professor at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, inaugurated the workshop in the presence of Guest of Honour Dr. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER, and Dr. Raghvendra Rao.
Dr. Akshay Anand, in his welcome speech, emphasized the dual role of research and service in yoga and announced the Yoga Centre’s focus on enhancing the quality of yoga programs. Dr. Vivek Lal underscored the importance of integrative medicine for holistic healing, stating, “Integrative implies harmony.” He also highlighted the need to bring India’s traditional knowledge of integrative medicine to the forefront with scientific validation. Dr. B. N. Gangadhar, a strong advocate of integrative medicine, noted that while integrating various traditional medical practices is challenging, the future will witness their positive impact on overall health.
A highlight of the workshop was the launch of four books: Neuroscience of Yoga, Vridhavastha me Kamar Dard ke liye Yogasana, Nature Beyond Nature, and Methods and Controversies in Clinical Trials. The books explore the scientific basis of yoga, evidence-based yoga practices for back pain management, spiritual growth through yoga and meditation, and the methodology and challenges of clinical trials.
The workshop attracted over 100 participants who engaged with renowned speakers. Dr. Raghvendra Rao discussed the scope and challenges of integrative medicine, emphasizing patient-centric care focused on disease treatment, pain management, and stress reduction. Dr. Ishwar Basavaraddi, Director, Centre of Yoga, Wellness, and Integrative Medicine, MMG University Jaipur, highlighted advancements in yoga-based integrative medicine. Swami Tyagraj Saraswati from the Bihar School of Yoga elaborated on the innate healing power of yoga.
Other eminent speakers included Dr. P. N. Ravindra from NIMHANS, Bengaluru, who spoke on sleep disturbances and neuropsychiatric conditions, and Dr. Bharat Krushna Khuntia from AIIMS, Delhi, who emphasized the role of relaxation in sleep quality. Dr. Sadasivan Pillai, Director of PNB Vesper Lifesciences, Kochi, stressed the need for quality assurance in yoga research to improve reproducibility and application. Dr. Sanjay Phadke, a neuropsychiatrist from Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, addressed challenges in integrative medicine and the contrast between traditional and modern yoga practices.
The workshop featured distinguished chairpersons, including Dr. Debasish Basu (Psychiatry, PGIMER), Dr. Sanjay Munjal (ENT, PGIMER), Dr. Rakesh Kapoor (Radiotherapy and Oncology, PGIMER), Dr. Babita Ghai (Anaesthesia, PGIMER), Dr. Sujata Siwach (Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PGIMER), and Dr. Vipin Koushal (Medical Superintendent, PGIMER), among others.
The session concluded with discussions on evidence generation in integrative medicine, focusing on stress reduction, emotional resilience, cognitive enhancement, and holistic healing. An interactive panel discussion on three case reports demonstrated the benefits of yoga as adjunct therapy. Dr. Rama (Endocrinology) presented findings on yoga’s impact on PCOD, Dr. Neelam (Cardiology) discussed its effects on post-PCI patients, and Dr. Atul (Telemedicine) explored yoga’s role in managing central serous chorioretinopathy. Participants also engaged in a workplace yoga session.
Dr. Aruna Rakha, Associate Professor, Department of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, PGIMER, concluded the workshop with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of the Yoga Centre team.
The CCRYN Yoga Centre at PGIMER continues to be a pioneer in evidence-based yoga interventions, offering free sessions to healthcare workers, patients, and caregivers. It leads multiple research projects, clinical trials, and academic theses. The Ministry of Health has shown keen interest in expanding the student wellness program to major educational institutions to promote mental well-being and stress management.
This workshop reaffirmed PGIMER’s commitment to advancing integrative medicine by merging scientific research with holistic healing for comprehensive healthcare.
