In order to find the multi-dimensional role of yoga, the study attempted to find out if yoga was effective as a therapy for various ailments and if so, which were the ailments it was effective. It also attempted to see if yoga was a substitute alternative therapy or does it work as a supportive complementary therapy and finally it also attempted to see if the effect of yoga was dependent on the number of symptoms. For this, the study included 88 patients with a definite medical diagnosis of a clinical disorder. Ten disorders were taken into account. Based on the patient's physio-psychological constitution and reported symptoms, each patient was given individualized yoga training once a week for a period of three months. Each course designed consisted of asana and pranayama, which were modified and adapted to suit individual needs. Considering the progress during the period, the course was progressively changed. Weekly reports of the changes in the symptoms were noted down. The investigation involved a ' Before and After' Experimental design with repeated measures. For this a 'Paired t test', Friedman's Two Way ANOVA and One Way ANOVA were used according to the sample size. The results showed that 'Yoga is a potent therapeutic tool' for various conditions. Its adaptability makes it serve both as an Alternative as well as a Complementary Therapy. It also pointed to its holistic approach, where it showed that the therapy was not dependent upon the number of symptoms.
(Unpublished)