Swami Veda opened his lecture reiterating the role of emotions in suffering due to pain. Yoga meditation works on the self-regulating mechanisms inside us to prevent and cure pain. He then explained the concept of “dhrti” and its application in meditation. Tension blocks the flow of dhrti and the internal “energy injection.” To treat pain, dissolve the negative emotion and open the blockages caused by tension.

Dr. Morar gave an overview of the Chronic Pain Management Program (CPMP) that she developed for chronic pain-patients in the Cambridge Mind-Body-Institute in Canada. The program aims to help the patients to bring about lasting changes in their lives so that, accessing their inner resources, they know how to live with their pain without allowing it to rule their lives. Teachings from the Himalayan Yoga Tradition are a major component of the program.

Dr. Moreno Toldo gave a moving presentation of his program to educate and rehabilitate children with neurological disabilities, primarily cerebral palsy at his clinic in Kiran Village, Varnasi, India. His integrative approach includes surgery, physical therapy, counseling, breathing techniques, asanas and love.

 Dr.Jyoti  Dvivedi talked about stress related disorders, endemic to modern life. She stressed an integrated approach (including diet, mind-body exercises, environment and lifestyle) is required in treatment. Dr. Dvivedi introduced a new area of study known as psychoneuroimmunology. This relates to the biochemical nature of our emotions and how they may cause disease in a target organ of the body.

 Swami Veda opened his lecture reiterating the role of emotions in suffering due to pain. Yoga meditation works on the self-regulating mechanisms inside us to prevent and cure pain. He then explained the concept of “dhrti” and its application in meditation. Tension blocks the flow of dhrti and the internal “energy injection.” To treat pain, dissolve the negative emotion and open the blockages caused by tension.

Dr. Morar gave an overview of the Chronic Pain Management Program (CPMP) that she developed for chronic pain-patients in the Cambridge Mind-Body-Institute in Canada. The program aims to help the patients to bring about lasting changes in their lives so that, accessing their inner resources, they know how to live with their pain without allowing it to rule their lives. Teachings from the Himalayan Yoga Tradition are a major component of the program.

Dr. Moreno Toldo gave a moving presentation of his program to educate and rehabilitate children with neurological disabilities, primarily cerebral palsy at his clinic in Kiran Village, Varnasi, India. His integrative approach includes surgery, physical therapy, counseling, breathing techniques, asanas and love.

Dr. Manuel Fernandez, manager of the Meditation Research Institute (MRI) located at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, spoke about the programs and research being carried out at the Lab. The Lab offers biofeedback training to improve health conditions and for relaxation as part of its Community Services program. The Research program aims to document changes in the brain during meditative states, testing practioners from the Himalayan Yoga Tradition and other traditions. An International team of scientists has received funding for an ambitious three year study. The Education program teaches how to use and apply biofeedback techniques.

Swami Veda closed the Conference with an informal question/answer session. Topics included the role of non-violence as an antidote to pain, the timeless character of human nature, the definition of the true self (not to be confused with the psychological term “self”), and the presence of the rishis.