Demanding work-life and excessive workload, the conflict between professional and personal lives, problems with patients and those related to the occurrence of death and high risk for their own life are a few factors causing burnout, disengagement, and dissatisfaction in the professional lives of healthcare professionals (HCPs). The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is of utmost importance to find effective solutions to mitigate the stress and anxiety adversely affecting the mental well-being and professional lives of HCPs. This study was designed to examine the efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) for alleviating work exhaustion, improving Professional Fulfillment, and influencing positivity among HCPs during COVID-19. In a comparative observation before the intervention (Pre), after the intervention (Post), and 30 days after the intervention (Day 30) in the Experimental Group (29 physicians) and Control Group (27 physicians), it was found that immediately after SKY, HCPs experienced a significant improvement in Professional Fulfillment (p = 0.009), work exhaustion (0.008), positive affect (p = 0.02), and negative affect (p < 0.001) compared to the Control Group. The effect of SKY continued until Day 30 for Professional Fulfillment and had positive and negative effects. Findings suggest that SKY elevated Professional Fulfillment among HCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced their work exhaustion and the negative effect on their mental health. SKY can aid HCPs in maintaining their well-being when faced with unprecedented challenges.

Purpose Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is an advanced yogic breathing technique with a demonstrated impact on human physical and mental health. Even so, very few studies have observed its effect on sleep. This is the first study evaluating the impact of SKY as an intervention on sleep quality among Indian population. This study assessed both the immediate and prolonged effect of SKY on sleep quality. The secondary objective of the study was to evaluate the association between frequency of SKY practice and sleep quality. Methods This was a single arm open-trial study, which included 473 participants. All participants underwent a 3-day SKY workshop offered by the Art of Living, and were assessed for sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, administered to the participants before the program (pre-intervention), immediately after the program (post-intervention), and at Day 40 (D40) after the program. Responses were grouped according to age, gender, and frequency of practice. The impact of the frequency of SKY practice on sleep quality was also investigated. Results The quality of sleep improved with SKY practice across the study population. Women recorded inferior quality of sleep at the beginning of the study, but experienced a greater improvement in sleep quality after the SKY practice, as compared to men. The younger population seemed to benefit over the long-term, while the older population had an immediate improvement in sleep quality, however, they were not able to sustain it. The effect size varied with the frequency of practice. Sleep quality improved markedly among those who practiced SKY daily, indicating an association between the frequency of SKY practice and its efficiency in improving sleep quality. Conclusion The results demonstrate the efficacy of SKY in improving sleep quality across populations, irrespective of gender or age. This is indicative of the beneficial role of SKY in treating psychological disorders such as insomnia. The effect varies with the frequency of practice, with more frequent practice yielding better quality of sleep.

Background: The ongoing pandemic caused by human coronavirus SARS CoV-2 has led to millions of death across the globe. Not only the virus is highly infectious, it is also mutates very easily. Currently there are no approved drugs for the therapeutic cure of COVID-19. The world is in search for an alternative that has antiviral properties directed against virus. Objective: The present study investigates an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation of 13 herbs, named NOQ19, targeted against various viral proteins of COVID-19. Methodology: The study is a single arm, single centric, open label study of 161 RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients. The enrolled participants were given the ayurvedic intervention, 2 tablets, thrice daily, to be consumed along with the standard care. Follow up COVID-19 RT- PCR was done on Day 5, Day 10 and Day 14 or until the patient turned negative. The time required for turning RT-PCR negative or become asymptomatic was noted. Results: Subjective analysis demonstrated that 98% of patients turned asymptomatic within 5 days of NOQ19 intake. Also 74% of the subjects turned RT-PCR Negative on Day 5 after taking NOQ19 along with the standard care provided. Also, none of the participant reported any adverse effect or side effect to the medication.Conclusion: NOQ19 Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation is an effective as well as safe alternative and adjunct treatment for the symptomatic management of COVID-19.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the human coronavirus SARS- CoV-2, has led to millions of deaths across the globe. Not only is the SARS-CoV-2 virus highly infectious, it also mutates very easily. This creates additional challenges for development of robust therapeutic solutions. Along with modern system of healthcare, there is a definite need for exploring natural plant based antiviral compounds directed against the SARS CoV-2 virus. Objective The present observational study investigates the efficacy of an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation of 19 ingredients, NOQ19, in the management of COVID-19. Methodology: A single arm, single centric, open label study design was adopted for this feasibility study. 161 RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients were enrolled. The enrolled participants were provided the Ayurvedic intervention, 2 tablets of NOQ19, thrice daily along with the standard of care treatment. Follow up COVID-19 RT- PCR tests were conducted on Day 5, Day 10 and Day 14, or until the patient turned negative. The time required for testing negative on the RT-PCR test or becoming asymptomatic was noted. Results A subjective analysis demonstrated that 74% of patients turned RT-PCR negative within 5 days of taking NOQ19. Additionally, 98% of the subjects turned RT-PCR Negative on Day 10 after taking NOQ19 in addition to the standard of care treatment of Vitamin C, Zinc and antipyretic (as necessary). None of the participants reported any adverse or side effects to the medication. Conclusion NOQ19 Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation can be an effective and safe option for the symptomatic management of COVID-19.

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