Loren Fishman, MD

11/29/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗼𝘄𝗹𝘀: 𝗔 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀

Researchers investigated Tibetan Singing Bowls as a sound-based intervention. The goal was to determine whether the bowls’ vibrations and tones could measurably reduce stress and improve wellbeing. Singing Bowls are already popular in yoga, meditation, and holistic therapy, but scientific validation has been limited.

🥣 Why the study was conducted:
* To bridge the gap between traditional practice and scientific evidence.
* To assess whether Singing Bowl sessions could be recommended as a complementary therapy for stress management and emotional health.
* To provide therapists and practitioners with data-driven insights into the effectiveness of sound healing.

👩‍🔬 How the Study Was Conducted:
Participants attended structured Singing Bowl sessions. Researchers measured psychological outcomes (stress, mood, anxiety) using validated questionnaires. They also tracked physiological markers such as heart rate and blood pressure before and after sessions. A controlled design allowed comparison between Singing Bowl exposure and baseline conditions.

📊 Results of the Study
• Significant reductions in stress and anxiety were observed after Singing Bowl sessions.
• Participants reported improved mood, relaxation, and sense of wellbeing.
• Physiological measures showed lower heart rate and blood pressure, indicating a calming effect on the nervous system.
• The effects were consistent across participants, suggesting broad applicability.

🌟 Key Takeaways for Therapists & Practitioners
• Singing Bowl therapy can be integrated into yoga, meditation, counseling, and wellness retreats as a supportive practice.
• It offers a non-invasive, low-cost intervention for stress reduction.
• The study provides scientific backing for what many practitioners have observed anecdotally.
• Therapists can use Singing Bowls to enhance relaxation, emotional regulation, and client receptivity during sessions.
• While not a replacement for medical treatment, Singing Bowls can serve as a complementary modality in holistic care.

SOURCE: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213422025000241𝗲

11/26/2025

I will be a keynote speaker at 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮: 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗜𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆.

I will be speaking on Jan 17, 2026 from 11am-12pm ET on Integrative Yoga.
If you're attending this event, please come say "hello."

More info: https://www.iiyogatherapy.com/symposiumregistration

11/25/2025

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Email from Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation LLC Friday, December 5 Podcast interview with Steffany Moonaz, Ph.D, Live Kripalu Osteoporosis March 27-29th NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS You

11/24/2025

𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗬: 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻

Chronic discogenic low back pain (CDLBP) is a major cause of disability worldwide, often resistant to conventional treatments. It is characterized by persistent back pain that originates from degeneration or damage in the intervertebral discs of the spine. Researchers from the Department of Orthopaedics at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, in collaboration with the Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education, & Research in India, conducted a study to explore whether yoga therapy could serve as a safe, effective, and non-pharmacological intervention for patients suffering from CDLBP.

The primary goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga therapy in reducing pain intensity, improving functional ability, and enhancing quality of life in patients with CDLBP. Researchers aimed to provide quantitative evidence supporting yoga as a therapeutic option.

Study Design:
• Randomized controlled trial.
• 80 patients diagnosed with chronic discogenic low back pain.
• Yoga group (n=40). Received structured yoga therapy sessions.
• Control group (n=40). Received conventional physiotherapy exercises.
• 12 weeks of intervention.
• Assessments: Pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS), disability (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire).
• Measurements were taken before and after the intervention.

Results:
Participants who practiced yoga therapy experienced a substantial reduction in pain intensity, while those in the physiotherapy group saw more modest improvements. The yoga group showed a greater decrease in disability levels, meaning they were able to perform daily activities with more ease compared to the control group. Quality of life improved more significantly in the yoga group, with notable gains in both physical health and mental well-being.
Overall, yoga therapy proved to be more effective than conventional physiotherapy in addressing chronic discogenic low back pain.

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12244673/

11/18/2025

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Email from Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation LLC Friday, December 5 -6:00 - 7:00 PM Podcast interview with Steffany Moonaz, Ph.D Yoga and Arthritis (and peace) NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENT

11/11/2025

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Email from Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation LLC NOV 11th: BANDAID DAY; NOV 12 YOGA FOR SCOLIOSIS, NOV. 15th OSTEOPOROSIS AND PEACE NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS You can click on the hyper

11/04/2025

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Email from Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation LLC NNOV 11th: BANDAID DAY; NOV 12 YOGA FOR SCOLIOSIS, NOV. 15th OSTEOPOROSIS AND PEACE NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS You can click on the hype

10/28/2025

𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗬: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗟𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 & 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆

New research shows that simple back and shoulder stretches temporarily lowers blood pressure and promotes a sense of calm. These stretches trigger nervous system responses that relax blood vessels, leading to a drop in blood pressure without increasing heart rate. Though the effects are short-lived, stretching may be a helpful tool during acute stress and can complement other heart-healthy practices like aerobic exercise and mindfulness.

Overview of the Research:
• The study, published in Physiological Reports, involved 24 healthy adults undergoing fainting evaluations at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
• Researchers measured participants’ blood pressure and heart rate during standing and stretching exercises.
• Shoulder and back stretches caused an immediate drop in blood pressure without a significant rise in heart rate.
• The study suggests that stretching activates muscle receptors that signal the nervous system to relax blood vessels and calm the body.

What you can take away from this:
• Stretching offers short-term blood pressure reduction, especially useful during stressful moments.
• It does not replace aerobic exercise for managing chronic hypertension but may complement it.
• Yoga and regular stretching routines have been linked to improved arterial stiffness and reduced cardiovascular risk over time.
• Avoid stretches that place the head below the heart if you have high or low blood pressure, as this can affect heart rate and pressure.
• A consistent routine involving major muscle groups, practiced most days for about 30 minutes, is recommended for cardiovascular wellness.
• Stretching before aerobic activity like walking or cycling can help prepare the body and enhance heart health benefits.

WELLNESS TIP:
🧘🏻‍♀️Try this - Stand tall. Roll your shoulders back. Interlace your fingers behind you and lift your heart. Hold for 30 seconds. Feel the release.

Stretching before you walk, or any other physical activity, prepares your body to receive. It’s a whisper to your cardiovascular system: “We’re safe. We’re ready.” Let your wellness be a symphony of movement, breathing and the quiet magic of stretch.

SOURCE: www.verywellhealth.com/stretching-and-blood-pressure-11835231

10/28/2025

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Email from Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation LLC YOGA RESEARCH SOCIETY PHILADELPHIA Nov. 1 2:00 - 3:30, NOV 11th: BANDAID DAY; NOV 15th RESEARCH TALK TBA  FOR YOGIS THAT DESPISE WAR (YO

10/21/2025

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Email from Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation LLC YOGA RESEARCH SOCIETY PHILADELPHIA Nov. 1 2:00 - 3:30, NOV 11th: BANDAID DAY; NOV 15th RESEARCH TALK TBA  FOR YOGIS THAT DESPISE WAR: 

10/21/2025

𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗬: 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 & 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝗴𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

Researchers conducted a study to assess yoga’s therapeutic potential for women diagnosed with spinal conditions such as herniation, scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis. Recognizing yoga’s growing popularity and its holistic approach to wellness, the study sought to fill a gap in qualitative research by examining participants’ lived experiences. Using a phenomenological design, the researchers interviewed 15 women who had practiced yoga for at least three months, focusing on their motivations, perceived changes, and awareness of their conditions.

The results revealed that yoga offered multidimensional benefits: participants reported reduced pain, improved posture and flexibility, enhanced mobility, and greater emotional balance. Mental outcomes included better stress management, increased self-awareness, and a deeper sense of self-compassion. Many participants also noted a heightened understanding of their spinal conditions and a reduced reliance on medication. These findings suggest that yoga serves not only as a physical intervention but also as a psychological support tool, promoting active engagement in healing and improved quality of life.

Going forward, the study advocates for yoga’s inclusion as a complementary therapy in spinal disorder treatment plans, especially when tailored to individual needs and guided by qualified instructors. While the small sample size and lack of controlled interventions limit generalizability, the results underscore yoga’s potential to foster sustainable improvements in both physical and mental health. Future research should expand on these findings with larger, more diverse populations and long-term evaluations

SOURCE: www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1685627/full

10/16/2025

𝗤 & 𝗔 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗻

Q: A recent Australian article compared balance after Iyengar training with balance after seated relaxation techniques: the seated relaxation group did better. How is that? https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(25)00068-6/fulltext

A: First, I believe there are flaws in the study. The study had 700 patients divided int two groups of 350 people each, The statistics are calculated with 350 people in each group, but 86 people quit the relaxation group because they wanted something more active. That's 50 more than left the Iyengar group: two consequences:

1. Iyengar group had people who were more active (therefore more likely to get traffic tickets, and more likely to fall down.

2. The Iyengar group just had more people in it for falls and everything else. All calculations were made on the basis of 350 per group, instead of the actual number of people in each group: that's the flaw.

Secondly, though, we must be aware that anxiety is a big factor in falling, and Iyengar Hatha yoga does many things, but just doesn't approach anxiety in as focused a manner as relaxation training.

Folks, take Savasana seriously.