Do Gayatri Mantra and Pranayama help cure Covid-19: AIIMS Rishikesh to conduct clinical trials

The Department of Science and Technology, under the Ministry of Science and technology, funds the clinical trials conducted by All India Institute of Medical Science, Rishikesh, on whether the Gayatri Mantra, a Hindu hymn, and Pranayama, a yoga activity,  affect the cure of Covid-19 positively. The trial has been registered formally with the Indian Council of Medical Research's Clinical Trial Registry.

The trials are conducted for 14 days among 20 people suffering mild symptoms of COVID by dividing them into two equal groups. One among the two is subjected to standard COVID treatment, while the other receives additional sessions on chanting the Gayatri mantra and practicing pranayama together with Covid medication.

"Coronavirus caused by SARS-CoV2 [coronavirus] is one of the major viruses that primarily targets the human respiratory system. The Gayatri Mantra is the most sacred prayer of the Hindus. There is no effective treatment or vaccine for this virus as of yet," the summary submitted to the Clinical Trial Registry by AIIMS, Rishikesh states.

Levels of C-reactive proteins are given to both groups before trials to measure and record the general inflammation in the body. Interleukin 6(IL6) levels- an inflammatory marker, and chest X-rays are noted.

Doctors shall note the time taken by the two groups to turn negative and the time period of their stay at the medical camp. Fatigue and anxiety disorders of both groups would be constantly checked and assessed by the medical team.

Dr Ruchi Dua, pulmonologist and Associate Professor at AIIMS, said to the media that the recruitment for the study had already begun. "A postdoctoral researcher who researches yoga in the institute is also involved," she added.

At present, India's COVID-19 treatment strategy includes Ayurveda and yoga among patients with mild symptoms of the disease. Recently, "Coronil" by Patanjali was provided as a cure for COVID-19 with mild symptoms.

The Department of Science and Technology hasn't responded to the reports yet.