A Bangalore institute is carrying out research into the asanas, which apparently prevent or reverse cancer, says the minister, Shripad Yasso Naik.

Mr Naik says the institute, the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, has already “proved” the claim, and cancer patients could be told the special technique next year, once the research has been verified by his ministry.

The institute’s chancellor, DR H R Nagendra, has said in earlier statements that a technique he calls “cyclic meditation”, which integrates asanas and meditation, could treat serious diseases.