The institute believes that coronary disease can be prevented and deterioration of the heart reversed with the help of the right diet, routines and outlook on life. The physical aspect-the asanas-are important, but only as part of a whole. The institute now wants that the medical community be made aware of its breakthrough treatment so that doctors can use it on their patients.

With this aim in mind, the Yoga Institute has kicked off several projects. On September 24, on the occasion of the 11th death anniversary of its founder, Shri Yogendraji, the institute will organise a one day free camp on heart care. The camp is aimed specifically at doctors, cardiologists, psychiatrists, medical practitioners and social workers and will acquaint them with Yogic concepts and techniques helpful in the treatment of heart patients.

A one year cardiac care project, the Caring Heart Project, was kicked off on April 27 to present Yogic therapies and their benefits factually to doctors. The key phrase for the programme is `Bypass the Bypass'.

Elaborating on Caring Heart, the dean of The Yoga Institute, Ms Hansa Jayadeva, says, "It's an unusual programme. First, it's an outreach programme wherein volunteers go to patients' homes to monitor their progress. Second, it enlists the entire family's support, without which no progress can be made."

The method is both simple and time-tested, and The Yoga Institute has already conducted studies in the effects of the Yogic way, which involves a complete lifestyle change. In a pilot study done earlier, 49 patients who had been advised bypass surgery and balloon angioplasty were introduced to the Yogic way of life for 10 days, during which they stayed at the institute.

A follow-up study done later revealed that 45 of the patients displayed a significant improvement in their condition. The angiography cases showed more positive results, four of the group showed arrest of the disease and two actually showed reversal.

The ones who had not made the necessary changes in their lifestyle-in diet, mind-set and attitudes-were unable to improve their condition significantly. But those who developed positive thinking, cheerfulness, confidence and the ability to relax and overcome fear, anxiety and hostility showed signs of quick recovery.

"The enemy of a cardiac patient is not just fatty food and cholesterol, stress and hostility, it is crass materialism, selfishness, egotism, negative emotions and all kinds of excesses. We will have to turn our steps in the direction of a spiritual life if we want to live long, healthy and happy," says Dr Jaya Deva.

The Yogic process identifies the risk factors and remedial measures that will achieve regression of arteriosclerosis and bring relief to the patient. It pre-supposes cultivating certain healthy habits and attitudes as well as abstaining from some bad habits.

Under the Caring Heart Project, all initial investigations such as cardiograms, detailed blood tests including lipid profile angiography, thalium tests and psychological testing are conducted free of charge.

Dr S Shetty, who is associated with the institute in the Caring Heart Project, says that even though he did not believe initially that a Yogic lifestyle could help heart patients, his association with the institute has proved to him that the lifestyle changes would help not just heart patients, but those ailing from other diseases, too.

Speaking on the reversal of coronary blockages through Yoga, Dr Jaya Deva Yogendra, director of The Yoga Institute and programme director of the Caring Heart Project says, "We do not know fully about the thickening of arteries and formation of obstructions in the arteries to say precisely how Yogic relaxation practices help. This may not be fully supported by modern medical studies. But the fact is that Yoga definitely helps."

The mind plays an important role in the well-being of a heart patient. A sound body with a sound heart is possible only when the mind is free from stress, worry and insecurity. Yogic techniques are so formulated that when they are practised, both body and mind work together in a healthy union.

Yoga advocates a better way of living. Wholesome dietary habits, positive physical exercise, healthy daily routines, adequate rest and a balanced state of mind generating the right kind of attitudes are a guarantee against sudden and severe heart ailments.

But in leading a Yogic lifestyle, we may have to increasingly depend on non-materialistic value judgements. Materialism is indeed the original cause of all misery, including disease. Loss of balance occurs when spiritual values are given a go by.

For more details about the one day free heart care camp on September 24, contact The Yoga Institute, Prabhat Colony, Santacruz East, Mumbai-400 055; E-mail: yogainstitute @rediffmail.com; Tel: (022) 612 2185, 611 0506.