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In his invited talk on neural correlates of consciousness, Prof Harsha Halahalli from the K.S.

Hegde Medical Academy reminded us of the statement by David Chalmers that, there isnothing that we know more intimately than conscious experience, but there is nothing that isharder to explain. He discussed different features of consciousness studied inneurobiological research such as the functions of consciousness and the phenomenologicalexperience or conscious experience. He elaborated on the neural correlates of consciousnessthat are the basic brain systems whose activity correlates directly with the states of consciousexperience as this is regarded as a starting point to investigate the harder problems of theneurobiology of conscious experience. He brought to light the newer neuroimaging methodsalong with neurophysiological approaches that are being used to investigate the NCC of thecontents of consciousness.

Prof Ravindra PN from the Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka gave a

presentation on the neurophysiological correlates of sleep and meditation. He mentionedthat both meditation and sleep bring about a positive regulatory effect on body and mindthereby influencing various physiological functions and behavioral states. Though themechanisms of sleep and meditation are both through efferent and sensory attenuation thusinducing a state of hypometabolism, however it is a natural and spontaneous phenomenonin sleep, whereas during meditation it is a cognitive skill. Behaviorally, both sleep andmeditation appear to be a passive like state, but physiologically they are highly dynamicwith multidimensional interactions of neuronal, humoral, autonomic and cognitivemechanisms.

Prof Madanmohan, the Professor and Head, Department of Physiology and Director CYTERof MGMCRI gave an enlightening presentation on the neurophysiological basis of consciousbehavior. He explained how the limbic system and hypothalamus influence our behavior

and how damage to amygdala results in episodes of limbic rage. There is extensivedevelopment of cerebral cortex (encephalization) in human brain and the prefrontal cortex isresponsible for discrimination and judgment. Encephalization implies that our innate animalbehavior is subject to physiological, psychological and social modulation. Different parts ofthe brain are inter-related. Human behavior should be modulated by higher brain areas andhigher morals and not limited to limbic and animal behavior. We humans have free willsaid he and hence responsibility. Practice of desirable behavior needs constant repetitionso that the transmission through relevant neural pathways is facilitated. As demonstrated byPavlov (classical conditioning) and Skinner (operant conditioning), learning involves

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repetition. Hence, conscious desirable behavior should be practiced repeatedly so that itbecomes an automatic response.

Yogacharya Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, the Deputy Director, CYTER gave a detailedpresentation on the therapeutic potential of meditation. He explained how many easternhealing traditions have slowly and steadily percolated the health care system worldwide.This is especially true of mindbody therapies that focus on the health promotive intrinsicconnections that exist between the human brain, mind, body, and individual behaviour. Thisincludes techniques of meditation (mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, and others),and the holistic lifestyle of Yoga. He detailed the documented health promoting benefits ofmind-body practices on all systems of the human body and concluded that the easternmind-body techniques seem to affect every cell bringing about better neuro-effectorcommunication, enhancing optimum functioning of all organ-systems while increasingresistance against stress. In fact scientific research in recent times has shown that thephysiological, psychological and biochemical effects of Yoga and meditation are of an anti-stress nature thus making them a potent antidote to the omnipresent stress pandemic.

The final session was a special talk by Dr V Ambarish from the M S Ramaiah MedicalCollege, Bangalore on meditation and immunomodulation. He stressed on how meditation

promotes mind and body relaxation, builds internal energy/life force (prana), developscompassion, love, patience, generosity, forgiveness and enables us to enjoy an indestructiblesense of well-being while engaging in daily activity. He highlighted outcomes of a fewinteresting studies addressing the effect of meditation on immunomodulation. Theseincluded those reports on how meditative practices brought about immune changes at bothcellular and molecular level.

An open forum with all CME faculties was held before the CME concluded with thevaledictory session that honoured members of the Departments of Physiology and CYTER

for their active and enthusiastic assistance that made the event a grand success.

The following are the recommendations of the CME:

1.

The CME puts on record its appreciation for the visionary efforts of the Chairman,management and authorities of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth for their foresightedness increating a Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER) at MahatmaGandhi Medical College & Research Institute. This is truly innovative and isapplauded by all concerned.

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2.

Scientific studies provide evidence of the preventive, rehabilitative andcomplementary role of Yoga and specifically meditation in management of variousstress induced, lifestyle disorders and hence it should be introduced in all medicalinstitutions as part of an integrative approach for the benefit of patients.

3.

It is desirable that modern medical professionals be exposed to the scientific andtherapeutic aspects of Yoga and this may be done by awareness programmes,workshops and seminars.

4.

Yoga and meditation should be introduced to undergraduate medical andparamedical students as recommended by MCI and this should be done in the firstyear itself.

Modern medical advancements provide the rationale for the integration of various traditional healingtechniques including Yoga to promote healing, health, and longevity. It is imperative that advances inmedicine include the holistic approach of Yoga to face the current challenges in health care. Under thedynamic leadership of Shri MK Rajagopalan, authorities of SBVU had set up CYTER in 2010 andmany activities have been going on since then. More than 7000 patients have benefited from ascientifically sound Yoga therapy programme is imparted through the Yoga Therapy OPD that isfunctioning daily from 9 am to 1pm. Consultations are offered by Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani,Deputy Director and Mrs Meena Ramanathan, Coordinator and Yoga Therapist and qualified Yogainstructors are imparting the schedules. Individualized and group Yoga therapy sessions are beingconducted for various medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal andpsychiatric disorders with excellent feedback from participants. Numerous research studies have beencompleted under guidance of Dr. Madanmohan, Professor and Head, Department of Physiology andDirector CYTER and 30 papers have been published.