Education:

Ph.D. in Neurophysiology (1992) at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India, under the Bangalore University. Title of the Ph.D. thesis: “Psychophysiological effects of yogic practices in health and disease”.

M.Phil in Neurophysiology (1987) at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India, under the University of Bangalore. Percentage secured: Distinction, 79.7%.

M.B.B.S. (1984) while at Goa Medical College, Goa, India, under the University of Bombay, percentage secured: First, 63.3%.

Work experience:

:: Assistant Director of Research at the Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation, Bangalore, India, a deemed-to-be-University (from April 1992 till the present time).

:: Senior research fellow (June 1991 till March 1992) of the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India, at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India. Title of the independent research project: “Autonomic status in bronchial asthmatics following yoga”.

Teaching Experience:

1. While at the National Institute of Mental health & Neurosciences, Bangalore, taught a course on Basics in Clinical Neurophysiology for M.Phil. (Clinical Psychology) (1987-1992).

2. While at the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation (a deemed to be University) taught:

• Research methods for behavioural sciences for undergraduate and post-graduate students in Yoga Science under the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation (a deemed to be University), Bangalore (2002-till present).

• Clinical neurophysiology for doctoral candidates in Yoga related to neurophysiology under the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation (a deemed to be University), Bangalore (2002-till present).

Research experience:

1. Chief investigator of a 24 month project “Yoga for computer-related health problems”, funded by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi. Status: Completed (April 2005).

2. Chief investigator of a 24 month project entitled: “Uninostril yoga breathing and obesity: A study of efficacy and mechanisms”, funded by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi. Status: Completed (April 2000-March 2002).

3. Chief investigator of an 18 month project entitled: “Use of Ayurveda and Yoga in the promotion of positive health in a geriatric population”, funded by the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine & Homeopathy, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India,” New Delhi. Status: Completed (April 1999-Oct. 2000).

4. Awarded an infrastructural grant under the ‘DST-FIST’ scheme from Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (2001-2005). Status: Completed.

5. Collaborative investigator of a 24 month project entitled: “Effect of yoga on human visual performance as relevant to aviation”, funded by the Ministry of Defense, Government of India, New Delhi. Collaborating Department: Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Status: Completed (Sept. 1998-Aug. 2000).

6. Recognized as a research guide for a Ph.D. program in Yoga and Allied Sciences at Bangalore University, Bangalore, India, since 1999. Currently two candidates have completed their research and are due to submit their theses in May 2005. Theses topics: (1) Psychophysiology of meditation including response to external stimuli, and (2) Psychophysiology of specific yoga breathing practices.

7. Recognized as a guide for the Ph.D. program in Yoga at the University of Mysore, South India, since 1993.

Academic distinctions:

1. ‘Young Scientist Award’ from the Central Council of Research in Yoga and Naturopathy under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India for research in yoga, 2005.

2. Award from the John Templeton Foundation, USA (www.templeton.org) as one of 10 awards for an international essay writing competition with the theme ‘Creative Research Ideas in Neurobiology’, for an essay entitled ‘Neurophysiology of Mental Emancipation’, January 2002.

3. Fulbright travel grant award, 1998, for a project: “Response to external auditory stimuli during meditation: study of evoked potentials and fMRI”, at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA, August 1998 to February 1999.

4. Indian Council of Medical Research young scientist award for “excellence in biomedical research”, 1993.

5. Indian Science Congress Association young scientist award for research in physiology, 1991.

Experience as a reviewer for journals:

1. Reviewer for articles related to yoga/meditation for the journal ‘Clinical Neurophysiology’.

2. Reviewer for the journals (a) `Perceptual and Motor Skills’ and (b) ‘Psychological Reports’.

3. Reviewer for the journal ‘Alternative and Complementary Medicine’.

4. Reviewer for the indexed national journals ‘Journal of Postgraduate Medicine’, ‘Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology’, and Indian Journal of Medical Sciences.

Other academic experience:

1. Currently an associate supervisor and co-researcher for a doctoral candidate at the Department of Education and Training, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

2. Delivered invited lectures at the Dept. of Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, March, 2003; Bastyr University, Bothell, Seattle, Washington, January 1999; the Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, November 1998; and the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA, May 1997.

3. Conducted a pilot study on ‘Transcranial Döppler studies in different physiological test conditions’, at the Stift Rottal Clinic for Neurological & Geriatric Rehabilitation, Griesbach im Rottal, Germany, May 1997.

4. Participated in preparing the curriculum for two courses (i) Ph.D. in Yoga and Allied Sciences, (Faculty of Science, Bangalore University) and (ii) M.Sc. in “Meditation and Human Consciousness” (Faculty of Science, Bangalore University), as a member of the Board of Studies (2002).

Publications:

Note: The publications are all in journals which are indexed in Index Medicus/ PsychLit/PsychInfo. The author for correspondence has been underlined.

1. Telles, S., Mohapatra, R.S. and Naveen, K.V. (2005). Heart rate variability spectrum during Vipassana mindfulness meditation. Journal of Indian Psychology [In Press].

2. Telles, S. (2005). Oriental approaches to masculine and feminine subtle energy principles. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 100: 292-294.

3. Manjunath, N.K. and Telles, S. (2005). Influence of yoga and ayurveda on self rated sleep in a geriatric population. Indian Journal of Medical Research, [In Press].

4. Raghuraj, P. and Telles, S. (2004). Right nostril yoga breathing influences ipsilateral components of middle latency auditory evoked potentials. Neurological Sciences, 25(5): 274-280.

5. Telles, S., Joshi, M., Dash, M., Raghuraj, P., Naveen, K.V. and Nagendra, H.R. (2004). An evaluation of the ability to voluntarily reduce the heart rate after a month of yoga practice. Integrative Physiological & Behavioral Science, 39(2): 119-125.

6. Telles, S., Deginal, R. and Hutchappa, L. (2004). Awareness of computer use related health risks in software companies in Bangalore. Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, 58(5): 212-213.

7. Manjunath, N.K. and Telles, S. (2004). Spatial and verbal memory test scores following yoga and fine arts camps for school children. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 48(3): 353-356.

8. Telles, S. and Naveen, K.V. (2004). Changes in middle latency auditory evoked potentials during meditation. Psychological Reports, 94: 398-400.

9. Naveen, K.V. and Telles, S. (2004). Randomized trial of yoga as a complementary therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis. Respirology, 9: 96-101.

10. Naveen, K.V. and Telles, S. (2003). Yoga and psychosis: risks and therapeutic potential. Journal of Indian Psychology, 21: (1). 34-37.

11. Raghuraj, P. and Telles, S. (2003). A randomized trial comparing the effects of yoga and physical activity programs on depth perception in school children. Journal of Indian Psychology, 21: (2).

12. Naveen, K.V. and Telles, S. (2003). Sensory perception during sleep and meditation: common features and differences. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 96, 810-811.

13. Raghuraj, P. and Telles, S. (2003). Effect of yoga based and forced uni-nostril breathing on autonomic nervous system. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 96, 79-80.

14. Manjunath, N.K. and Telles, S. (2003). Effect of sirsasan (head stand) practice on autonomic and respiratory variables. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 47(1): 34-42.

15. Raghuraj, P. & Telles, S. (2002). Improvement in spatial and temporal measures of visual perception following yoga training. Journal of Indian Psychology, 20(1).

16. Telles, S. & Vani, R. (2002). Reduction in voluntary pulse rate reduction achieved following yoga training. International Journal of Stress Management, 9(3).

17. Vempati, R. P. & Telles, S. (2002). Yoga based guided relaxation reduces sympathetic activity in subjects based on baseline levels. Psychological Reports, 90: 487-494.

18. Manjunath, N. K. & Telles, S. (2001). Improved performance in the Tower of London Test following yoga. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 45(3): 351- 354.

19. Dash, M. & Telles, S. (2001). Improvement in hand grip strength in normal volunteers and rheumatoid arthritis patients following yoga training. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 45(3): 351- 354.

20. Vempati, R. P. & Telles, S. (2000). Baseline occupational stress levels and physiological responses to a two day stress management program. Journal of Indian Psychology, 18 (1 & 2): 33-37.

21. Telles, S., Reddy, S.K. & Nagendra, H.R. (2000). Oxygen consumption and respiration following two yoga relaxation techniques. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 25(4): 221-227.

22. Telles, S., Vempati, R.P. & Reddy, S.K. (2000). Effect of yoga training on maze learning. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 44(2): 197-201.

23. Manjunath, N.K. & Telles, S. (1999). Factors influencing changes in tweezer dexterity scores following yoga training. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 43(2): 225-229.

24. Naveen, K.V., Nagendra, H.R., Garner, C. & Telles, S. (1999). Transcranial Döppler sonography in different physiological conditions. Neurology India, 47:249.

25. Naveen, K.V. & Telles, S. (1999). Sudomotor sympathetic hypofunction in Down syndrome. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 43(4): 463-466.

26. Dash, M. & Telles, S. (1999). Motor speed based on a finger tapping task following yoga. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 43(3): 458-462.

27. Vempati, R.P. & Telles, S. (1999). Yoga based relaxation versus supine rest: a study of oxygen consumption, breath rate and volume & autonomic measures. Journal of Indian Psychology, 17 (2): 46-52.

28. Telles, S. & Srinivas, R.B. (1999). Autonomic and respiratory measures in children with impaired vision following yoga and physical activity programs. International Journal of Rehabilitation and Health, 4(2): 117-122.

29. Manjunath, N.K. & Telles, S. (1999). Improvement in visual perceptual sensitivity in children following yoga training. Journal of Indian Psychology, 17 (2): 41-45.

30. Raghuraj, P., Ramakrishnan, A.G., Nagendra, H.R. & Telles, S. (1998). Effect of two selected yoga-breathing techniques on heart rate variability. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 42(4): 467-472.

31. Manjunath, N.K., Nirmala, K.S., Srinivasa, R., Nagendra, H.R. & Telles, S. (1998). Shorter latencies of middle latency auditory evoked potentials in congenitally blind and normal sighted subjects. International Journal of Neuroscience, 95: 173-181.

32. Naveen, K.V., Srinivas, R., Nirmala, K.S., Nagarathna, R., Nagendra, H.R. & Telles, S. (1998). Differences between congenitally blind and normal sighted subjects in the P1 component of middle latency auditory evoked potentials. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 86: 1192-1194.

33. Telles, S., Nagarathna, R. & Nagendra, H.R. (1998). Autonomic changes while mentally repeating two syllables – one meaningful and the other neutral. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 42(1): 57-63.

34. Naveen, K.V., Nagarathna, R., Nagendra, H.R. & Telles, S. (1997). Yoga breathing through a particular nostril increases spatial memory scores without lateralized effects. Psychological Reports, 81: 555-561.

35. Naveen, K.V., Srinivas, R., Nirmala, K.S., Nagendra, H.R. & Telles, S. (1997). Middle latency auditory evoked potentials in congenitally blind and normal sighted subjects. International Journal of Neuroscience, 90 (1-2): 105-111.

36. Raghuraj, P. & Telles, S. (1997). Muscle power, dexterity skill and visual perception in community home girls trained in yoga or sports and in regular school girls. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 41(4): 409-415.

37. Raghuraj, P., Nagarathna, R., Nagendra, H.R. & Telles, S. (1997). Pranayama increases grip strength without lateralized effects. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 41(2): 129-133, cited in the European Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1997, 7(5): 161.

38. Ramana Vani, P., Nagarathna, R., Nagendra, H.R. & Telles, S. (1997). Progressive increase in critical flicker fusion frequency following yoga training. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 41(2): 71-74.

39. Telles, S. & Naveen, K.V. (1997). Yoga for rehabilitation: an overview. Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, 51(4): 123-127.

40. Telles, S., Nagarathna, R. Ramana Vani, P. & Nagendra, H.R. (1997). A combination of focusing and defocusing through yoga reduces optical illusion more than focusing alone. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 41(2): 179-182.

41. Telles, S., Narendran, S., Raghuraj, P. Nagarathna, R. & Nagendra, H.R. (1997). Comparison of changes in autonomic and respiratory parameters of girls after yoga and games at a community home. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 84: 251-257.

42. Telles, S., Nagarathna, R. & Nagendra, H.R. (1996). Physiological measures during right nostril breathing. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2(4): 479-484.

43. Telles, S., Nagarathna, R. & Nagendra, H.R. (1995) Improvement in visual perception following yoga training. Journal of Indian Psychology, 13(1): 30-32.

44. Telles, S., Nagarathna, R. & Nagendra, H.R. (1995). Autonomic changes during ‘OM’ meditation. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 39(4): 418-420.

45. Telles, S., Hanumanthaiah, B.H., Nagarathna, R. & Nagendra H.R (1994). Plasticity of motor control systems demonstrated by yoga training. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 38(2): 143-144.

46. Telles, S., Nagarathna, R. & Nagendra H.R (1994). Breathing through a particular nostril can alter metabolism and autonomic activities. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 38(2): 133-137.

47. Telles, S., Nagarathna, R. & Nagendra H.R. (1994). Alterations in auditory middle latency evoked potentials during meditation on a meaningful symbol ‘OM’. International Journal of Neuroscience, 76: 87-93.

48. Telles, S., Hanumanthaiah, B., Nagarathna, R. & Nagendra H.R. (1993). Improvement in static motor performance following yogic training of school children. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 76: 1264-1266.

49. Telles, S. (1993). Comments on the articles on yoga. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 37(4): 352.

50. Telles, S. & Desiraju, T. (1993). Recording of auditory middle latency evoked potentials during the practice of meditation with the syllable ‘OM’. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 98(B): 237-239.

51. Telles, S., Nagarathna, R., Nagendra, H.R. & Desiraju, T. (1993). Physiological changes in sports teachers following 3 months of training in yoga. Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, 47(10): 235-238.

52. Telles, S. & Desiraju, T. (1993). Autonomic changes in Brahmakumaris raja yoga meditation. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 15: 147-152.

53. Telles, S., Joseph, C., Venkatesh, S. & Desiraju, T. (1992). Alteration of auditory middle latency evoked potentials during yogic consciously regulated breathing and attentive state of mind. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 14: 189-198

54. Telles, S. & Desiraju, T. (1992). Heart rate alterations in different types of pranayamas. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 36 (4): 287-288.

55. Telles, S. & Desiraju, T. (1992). Heart rate and respiratory changes accompanying yogic conditions of single thought and thoughtless states. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 36 (4): 293-294.

56. Telles, S. & Desiraju, T. (1991). Oxygen consumption during pranayamic type of very slow-rate breathing. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 94[B]: 357-363.

Chapters in books/ conference proceedings:

1. Telles, S. & Raghuraj, P. (2004). Changes in perception following yoga practice. In: N. Bhattacharya, N. & B.H. Paudel (Eds.) Emerging concepts in yoga and lifestyle. Dharan, Nepal; B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, pp. 21-24.

2. Telles, S. & Naveen, K.V. (2003). Therapeutic application of yoga. In: P.K. Bhattacharya (Ed.) Medicine Update-Vol. VII. Dibrugarh; The Association of Physicians of India-Assam State Chapter, pp.745-748.

3. Telles, S. (2002). Neural plasticity in yoga. In: S. Menon, A. Sinha & B.V. Sreekantan (Eds.) Science and Metaphysics - a Discussion on Consciousness and Genetics. Bangalore; National Institute of Advanced Studies, pp.275-281.

4. Naveen, K.V., Srinivas, R., Nagarathna, R. & Telles, S. (2000). Yoga for the rehabilitation of socially disadvantaged and visually impaired subjects. In: D. Majumdar & W. Selvamurthy (Eds.) Advances in Ergonomics, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment. New Delhi: New Age International Publishers, pp. 204-208.

5. Telles, S. & Nagarathna, R. (1994). Research on yoga. In: K.N. Sharma (Ed.) Physiological sciences in India: foundations and frontiers. New Delhi; Indian National Science Academy, pp.85-90.

Books published:

1. Telles, S. (1994). A Glimpse of the Human Body: Its’ structure and functions.
Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan: Bangalore. ISBN No.81-87313-05-6.

2. Nagendra, H.R. & Telles, S. (1994). Research Methods. Vivekananda Kendra
Prakashan: Bangalore. ISBN No. 81-8733-11-0.

Persons who may be contacted for references:

Dr. H.R. Nagendra
Director and Vice-chancellor,
Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation,
# 19, K.G. Nagar,
Bangalore, India 560 019
Telephone: 91-80-7825385
Fax: 91-8-26608645

Dr. R.M.Verma
Consultant Neurosurgeon and Former Director,
National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences,
Mallige Medical Center, 18-9,
Crescent Road, Bangalore 560 001, India
Telephone: 91-80-22261135
Cell: 00-9845173959

Dr. R.L. Bijlani
Rtd. Prof. & Head,
Dept. of Physiology,
All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi 110 029, India
Telephone: 91-11- 26594812

Dr. K.N. Sharma
Executive Director,
Gokula Education Foundation (Health Sciences)
MSRIT, MSR Nagar,
Bangalore 560 054
Telephone: 91-80-23606031

Dr. Ann DeBaldo
Prof. & Associate Dean, International Affairs,
College of Public Health,
University of South Florida,
13201, Bruce B. Downs Blvd.,
MDC 56, Tampa, Florida,
33612-3805, U.S.A.
Telephone: 1-813-974-6636

---