Effects of Yama and Niyama on body energy systems: Evidence from Electro Photonic Imaging – A randomised controlled trial

Background/Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of yogic practices of Yama and Niyama on changes in energy in the body and organs related to emotions in young adults. Methods/Statistical analysis: The present study was a randomised control trial. A total of 100 young healthy adults with 71 males and 29 females randomly allocated to study the eﬀects of Yama and Niyama for 12 weeks. The control group was arranged to take a regular course for 45 minutes which was the same time duration as the Yama-Niyama intervention. Assessments included were energy and health status in the person, and energy and entropy levels in the ﬁve major organs related to emotions using Bio-Well device. Findings : The optimal energy stability was observed in Yama-Niyama group after the intervention compared to the control group. Energy level variables of the human energy ﬁeld, health status, energy reserve, heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney values in Yama-Niyama group showed a statistical diﬀerence (p<0.001) after the intervention compared to the control group. The entropy level of ﬁve emotion-related organs for between-group comparison showed no signiﬁcant diﬀerences after the intervention. In the within-group comparison, the results of Yama-Niyama group showed a signiﬁcant reduction in physical energy level from hyperactive to normal range after the intervention compared to baseline, whereas the control group showed a signiﬁcant decrease and out of normal range. The optimal energy stability in Yama-Niyama group indicating an improvement in physical function. Novelty : The current study provides preliminary evidence that Yama and Niyama intervention improved the regulation of subtle energy in the body and might balance vital energy in meridians to further promote physiological well-being. students were randomly allotted to two groups: control group (n=50, male=39, female=11, age, M (cid:6) SD=19.62 (cid:6) 1.23) and Yama and Niyama (YN) group (n=50, male=32, female=18, age, M (cid:6) SD=19.28 (cid:6) 1.16). The random allocation sequence was generated (using the website www.random.org) which was concealed in sealed envelopes to prevent selection bias, until the allocation. Demographic information sheets were distributed to find out the age, educational attainment, health status and past yoga experience in both groups. Daily record sheets were distributed to YN group which offer a way to understand their practice experiences. The inclusion criteria were: age between 18-26 years, without yoga experience, and understanding the English language. The exclusion criteria were: with yoga experience, missing fingers (all fingers are required for Bio-Well measurements), and having no self-reported physical or mental disorders. This research protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee and informed consent was obtained from all the participants. p<0.001. There was a significant difference in group and time interaction, for score, F(1,83)=31.67, p<0.001; score, F(1,83)=34.94, p<0.001; ER score, F(1,83)=29.51, p<0.001; score, F(1,83)=24.11, p<0.001; score, F(1,83)=21.86, p<0.001; F(1,83)=22.81, p<0.001; F(1,82)=28.46, p<0.001. There was a significant difference in HS score at the baseline (p=0.033) and after the intervention (p<0.001). There was a significant difference between groups (YN & Control) on post-HS score after controlling baseline HS score, F(1,82)=34.14, p<0.001. There was a significant difference in ER score after intervention (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in heart score at the baseline (p=0.026) and after intervention (p<0.001). There was a significant difference between groups (YN & Control) on post-heart score after controlling baseline heart score, F(1,82)=26.39, p<0.001. There was a significant difference in liver score after intervention (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in spleen score at the baseline (p=0.002) and after intervention (p<0.001). There was a significant difference between groups (YN & Control) on post-spleen score after controlling baseline spleen score, F(1,82)=12.36, p<0.001. There was a significant difference in lung score at the baseline (p=0.024) and after intervention (p<0.001). There was a significant difference between groups (YN & Control) on post-lung score after controlling baseline lung score, F(1,82)=23.13, p<0.001. There was a significant difference in kidney score after intervention (p<0.001).