The researcher proposes to undertake a study on Kayakalpa yoga as a means of preventing the occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases. The proponent would like to focus his study on proposing ways to teach Kayakalpa yog among among adolescent respondents in Australia using the techniques developed by an India-based organization. This would be placed in the general context of practicing KayaKalpa Yoga as a health exercise and a "scientific means of returning to rejuvenation (Govindan, 2000 ).
Specifically, the proponent will look at the efficacy of preventing sexually transmitted diseases among Australian adolescents in a school in New South Wales state. The researcher hopes to find out if the seclusion offered in teaching/demonstrating KayaKalpa yoga would help students control their desires He will compare its efficacy with other forms of yoga by learning how often the students/practitioners are undergoing yoga sessions, what rules are they following (which are distinct from other kinds of yoga) and to ascertain if Kayakalpa yoga is used in conjunction with modern medicine. Corollary to this is to compare the efficacy of Kayakalpa yoga with using modern medical practices in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. This proponent also intends to ascertain if KayaKalpa yoga is really seen by its students as a means for rejuvenation, to use Govindan's term.
Review of related literature
Various studies, books, and articles have been written about the efficacy of yoga as an alternative health maintenance method. Scholars and practitioners have written about how mediation, breathing and body exercises have improved breath and blood circulation, and enhanced the "spiritual well-being" of practitioners. Essentially, yoga has been used initially not merely to promote physical wellness but to promote the connection of an individual to a higher being, or "perceiving the interconnectedness of the mundane to the divine, of the individual and the universal" (Johnson, 2004).
Kayakalpa yoga is one of the various forms of yoga, and was formulated by the Siddhas (saints) of South India. According to Govindan (2000). the term is derived from the words "kaya" (body) and kalpa (rejuvenation /medical treatment of the sick. This practice calls for practitioners to spend three minutes each morning and evening to conduct breathing and mediation exercises. Govindan added that there is a special facility built for Kayakalpa yoga sessions. Practitioners are secluded within a layer of walls so that they can concentrate on breathing and meditative exercises (Govindan, 2000). Kayakalpa yoga is being touted to "activate brain cells to enhance memory, develops immunity system, reduces effect of hereditary and chronic diseases" aside from the moral aspect of "reformation of character and removal of bad thoughts" according to the Vethathiri organization ( 2007 )
In modern times, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases has been focused in the use of medical approaches. Patients consult with their doctors and are recommended to take medicines to reduce the effects of the diseases into their bodies. However, recent studies have focused on disease prevention as effective means to combat the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Doctors may consider influencing adolescents' attitudes toward the disease, and also other behavioural aspects, because studies have shown that attitudes of adolescents toward the disease, particularly in prevention and side effects of contraceptives are key factors in preventing the spread of the disease (Crosby and Danner, 2008) and (Furby, et.al, 1997).
The researcher plans to synthesize findings from these studies in order to draft a preliminary framework on how Kayakalpa yoga can be used as a means to prevent the spread the sexually transmitted diseases, especially among adolescents living in New South Wales state, Australia. The researcher intends also to ascertain if the method is still perceived as a'scientifically-based method for rejuvenation." The researcher will contextualize the findings in the context of the range of STD occurrence in the Australian state, and how it varies among the diverse ethnic groups of the state.
Methodologies:
The proponent plans to use qualitative and quantitative measures in conducting the study. The first approach will be used particularly in a.) comparing Kayakalpa yoga with other forms of yoga, (what are their general characteristics how they are different from each other); comparing the principles of Kayakalpa yoga with modern medicinal practices with regard to prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. The quantitative approach will then be used in conducting surveys among the respondents to see the differences and similarities among them to the general population of yoga practitioners. Statistical treatment will be applied on the survey results to ascertain these similarities and differences.
Research timeline-
The proponent schedules the following timelines for the study; he estimates that it will take him six months at most to complete the entire process. The first two months will be allotted to conducting comprehensive research on literature, formulation of hypotheses, and establishment of research and conceptual frameworks. Researcher expects that he will be able to conduct preliminary and follow-up surveys among respondents within the next two-three months. Researcher estimates it will take a month for the paper to be finalized (writing down of the study's introduction, summary, conclusion, limitations and recommendations)
Chapter breakdown
The proponent outlines that the study be done according to the sequence: Chapter One will be the introduction to the general topic, Chapter Two will feature the review of related literature on teaching Kayakalpa yoga and methods to prevent the proliferation of sexually-transmitted diseases, Chapter Three will tackle the methodology and scope to be utilized in the study. Chapter Four will focus on the survey discussion results. Chapter Five will deal with conclusions, limitations and recommendation.
References
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