Yogic-Breathing Techniques and Meditation in the Management of Dyscalculia: A Narrative Review.

BackgroundCurrent therapies for heart failure (HF) are followed by strategies to improve quality of life and exercise tolerance, besides reducing morbidity and mortality. Some HF patients present changes in the musculoskeletal system and inspiratory muscle weakness, which may be restored by inspiratory muscle training, thus increasing respiratory muscle strength and endurance, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2), functional capacity, respiratory responses to exercise, and quality of life. Yoga therapies have been shown to improve quality of life, inflammatory markers, and peak VO2 mostly in HF patients with a reduced ejection fraction. However, the effect of different yoga breathing techniques in patients showing HF with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remain to be assessed.Methods/designA PROBE (prospective randomized open blinded end-point) parallel-group trial will be conducted at two specialized HF clinics. Adult patients previously diagnosed with HFpEF will be included. After signing informed consent and performing a pre-test intervention, patients will be randomized into three groups and provided with either (1) active yoga breathing techniques; (2) passive yoga breathing techniques (pranayama); or and (3) control (standard pharmacological treatment). Follow-up will last 8 weeks (16 sessions). The post-intervention tests will be performed at the end of the intervention period for analysis of outcomes. Interventions will occur continuously according to patients’ enrollment. The main outcome is respiratory muscular resistance. A total of 33 enrolled patients are expected. The present protocol followed the SPIRIT guidelines and fulfilled the SPIRIT checklist.DiscussionThis trial is probably the first to assess the effects of a non-pharmacological intervention, namely yoga and specific breathing techniques, to improve cardiorespiratory function, autonomic system, and quality of life in patients with HFpEF.Trial registrationREBEC Identifier: RBR-64mbnx (August 19, 2012).Clinical Trials Register: NCT03028168. Registered on 16 January 2017).

The efficacy paradox in randomized controlled trials of CAM and elsewhere: beware of the placebo trap.

Wooten, SV, Cherup, N, Mazzei, N, Patel, S, Mooney, K, Rafiq, A, and Signorile, JF. Yoga breathing techniques have no impact on isokinetic and isoinertial power. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 430-439, 2020-As an exercise discipline, yoga incorporates breathing (pranayama) and posture (asana) techniques to facilitate improvements in flexibility, strength, and meditation. Both techniques have been used to enhance muscular strength and power output. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of various yoga breathing techniques on lower-limb power output. Thirty-two individuals (15 men and 17 women) participated in the study. All subjects performed a baseline 1 repetition maximum (1RM) on a pneumatic leg press machine and isokinetic testing on a Biodex 4 dynamometer. Participants then performed 3RM power tests at 50% of 1RM on the pneumatic leg press machine using 3 different yoga breathing techniques (Ujjayi, Bhastrika, and Kapalabhati) and normal breathing (control) across all repetitions. After power testing, participants completed an isokinetic test on the Biodex 4 dynamometer using their dominant leg. Subjects had their knee placed at a predetermined starting position (90°) and executed knee extension at 3 randomized testing speeds (60, 180, and 300°·s). The implementation of specific breathing protocols before and during the leg press produced no significant differences in power output. For isokinetic power measured at 60, 180, and 300°·s, there was a significant difference among testing speeds (η = 0.639; p < 0.0001) and a significant sex × speed interaction (η = 0.064; p < 0.0001), where men consistently demonstrated greater isoinertial power, isokinetic power, isokinetic torque, and isokinetic work than women. No other significant differences or interactions were detected. The differences between our study and others, which have concluded that adopting specific breathing techniques can enhance core stability and force production during lifting, may be attributable to the acute nature of the design, the novice participants who had insufficient time to practice the breathing techniques or testing protocols, and the use of tests that isolated specific muscle groups. Nonetheless, the current findings do not support the use of yoga breathing techniques as a method to enhance power output, whether used before or during power performance.

Abstract #3130 Purpose: Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and quality of life, and anxiety and depression, and demographic characteristics of Anatolian women with breast cancer.&amp;#x2028; Methods: Quality of life was measured with European Organization for Treatment and Research of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life core questionnaire (QLQ-C30, version 3.0) and anxiety and depression was measured with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The demographic characteristics of patients were filled by patient to a standard form.&amp;#x2028; Results: Totally 122 patients with breast cancer were enrolled, and 50% (n=61) of patients reported that they were using CAM. The most commonly used CAM methods were stinging nettle (57%) and prayer and spiritual healing (49%). The statistical analysis showed that, there was a meaningful correlation between CAM usage and education level (p=0.031) and radiotherapy (p=0.002). There was no relationship between use of CAM and patients age, time since diagnosis, stage of cancer, chemotherapy using, smoking and residence. Analysis of patients showed a positive correlation between CAM and RF2 (Role Functioning) (p=0.014) and FI (Financial Difficulties) (p=0.011) and negative correlation between CAM and EF (Emotional Functioning) (p=0.033). There was no correlation between use of CAM and anxiety and depression scale. The RF2 (p=0.02), EF (p=0.047), FA (Fatigue) (p=0.038), PA (Pain) (p=0.043) and depression results (p=0.008) were better at patients with high education level. We analysed CAM using in patients living in rural or urban area, and the EF (p=0.006), CF (Cognitive Functioning) (p=0.027), PA (p=0.025), DY (Dyspnoea) (p=0.045) and DI (Diarrhoea) (p=0.000) results were better in urban area.&amp;#x2028; Conclusions: According to the various studies in the literature, 20-83.3% of breast cancer patients were using CAM and the CAM methods are different in different countries and cultures. Our results suggest that the use of CAM among Anatolian women with breast cancer is popular. This study findings showed no correlation between anxiety and depression and CAM usage. There is a tendency to CAM usage in patients with financial problems. Emotional functioning was also worse in those patients. The study results showed that the use of CAM is more common among breast patients with bad emotional status and poor financial status. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3130.

Complementary/Alternative Medicine for Asthma: We Do Not Know What We Need To Know

Background: An intricate physiological and pathophysiological connection exists between the heart and lungs, which is especially important in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). While an exercise intervention may seem the best approach to leverage this relationship, the prior work has shown that, despite numerous health benefits, regular exercise training does not improve cardiorespiratory control in individuals with SCI. Breath training presents an alternative intervention that is uniquely accessible, with yogic breathing directly engaging linked fluctuations in respiration and cardiovascular control. In addition, there is evidence across a range of populations that regular yogic breathing reduces cardiovascular disease risk. It is possible that the chronic decrease in breathing frequency associated with regular yogic breathing, rather than the specific yogic breathing techniques themselves, is the primary contributor to the observed risk reduction. Methods: Therefore, in 12 individuals with traumatic SCI from C4 to T8, the authors compared Unpaced and conventional 0.083 Hz (Slow) paced breathing with various yogic breathing techniques including: (1) inspiratory-expiratory breath holds (i.e., Kumbhaka or "Box Breathing"), (2) extended exhalation (1:2 duty cycle), and (3) expiratory resistance via throat constriction (i.e., Ujjayi). Beat-to-beat heart rate and blood pressure were measured as well as end-tidal CO2 and O2 saturation were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc pairwise t tests corrected for multiple comparisons. Results: As expected, all slow breathing patterns markedly increased respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) compared with Unpaced in all (n = 12) individuals. More importantly, Ujjayi breathing appeared to improve ventilatory efficiency over Unpaced breathing in individuals with SCI by increasing O2 saturation (97.6% vs. 96.1%; p = 0.042) and tended to decrease end-tidal CO2 (32 mmHg vs. 35 mmHg; p = 0.08). While other slow breathing patterns demonstrated similar effects, only Ujjayi improved RSA while increasing heart rate and improving ventilatory efficiency. Conclusions: Hence, slow breathing per se can result in important cardiorespiratory changes, but the yogic breathing practice of Ujjayi, with glottic throat resistance, may hold the greatest promise for improving cardiorespiratory control in individuals with SCI (CTR ID No. NCT05480618).

Mind-Body practices constitute a large and diverse group of practices that can substantially affect neurophysiology in both healthy individuals and those with various psychiatric disorders. In spite of the growing literature on the clinical and physiological effects of mind-body practices, very little is known about their impact on central nervous system (CNS) structure and function in adolescents with psychiatric disorders. This overview highlights findings in a select group of mind-body practices including yoga postures, yoga breathing techniques and meditation practices. Mind-body practices offer novel therapeutic approaches for adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Findings from these studies provide insights into the design and implementation of neuroimaging studies for adolescents with psychiatric disorders. Clinical neuroimaging studies will be critical in understanding how different practices affect disease pathogenesis and symptomatology in adolescents. Neuroimaging of mind-body practices on adolescents with psychiatric disorders will certainly be an open and exciting area of investigation.

Children treated for cancer are at risk to develop cognitive problems. Insight in underlying associations with emotional functioning and fatigue can be used to optimize interventions. We therefore aim to study emotional functioning, fatigue, and cognitive functioning in children postcancer treatment and investigate whether fatigue mediates the relationship between emotional and cognitive functioning. Emotional functioning, fatigue, and cognitive functioning were assessed in children post-cancer treatment using subscales of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Generic Core Scales, Multidimensional Fatigue Scale and Cognitive Functioning Scale. A one sample t-test was used to compare outcomes with general population peers and mediation analysis was used to address the effect of fatigue on the relationship between emotional and cognitive functioning. A total of 137 children (mean age: 13.6, SD±3.3 years; mean time since end of treatment: 7.1 months, SD±5.9) participated. Lower scores on emotional functioning (Cohen's d [D]: 0.4), fatigue (D: 0.8) and cognitive functioning (D: 0.6) were found (p<.001) in children post-cancer treatment than in peers. A medium association was found between emotional and cognitive functioning (standardized regression coefficient [β]: 0.27, p<.001), which was mediated by fatigue (β=0.16). Outcomes on emotional and cognitive functioning are decreased and fatigue is increased in children postcancer treatment. Fatigue mediates the relationship between emotional and cognitive functioning. Our results show the importance to focus on fatigue amongst stress as a target for intervention to improve cognitive functioning.

Not all women initiate clinically indicated breast cancer adjuvant treatment. It is important for clinicians to identify women at risk for noninitiation. To determine whether complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is associated with decreased breast cancer chemotherapy initiation. In this multisite prospective cohort study (the Breast Cancer Quality of Care [BQUAL] study) designed to examine predictors of breast cancer treatment initiation and adherence, 685 women younger than 70 years with nonmetastatic invasive breast cancer were recruited from Columbia University Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, and Henry Ford Health System and enrolled between May 2006 and July 31, 2010. Overall, 306 patients (45%) were clinically indicated to receive chemotherapy per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Participants were followed for up to 12 months. Baseline interviews assessed current use of 5 CAM modalities (vitamins and/or minerals, herbs and/or botanicals, other natural products, mind-body self-practice, mind-body practitioner-based practice). CAM use definitions included any use, dietary supplement use, mind-body use, and a CAM index summing the 5 modalities. Chemotherapy initiation was assessed via self-report up to 12 months after baseline. Multivariable logistic regression models examined a priori hypotheses testing whether CAM use was associated with chemotherapy initiation, adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates, and delineating groups by age and chemotherapy indication. A cohort of 685 women younger than 70 years (mean age, 59 years; median age, 59 years) with nonmetastatic invasive breast cancer were recruited and followed for up to 12 months to examine predictors of breast cancer treatment initiation. Baseline CAM use was reported by 598 women (87%). Chemotherapy was initiated by 272 women (89%) for whom chemotherapy was indicated, compared with 135 women (36%) for whom chemotherapy was discretionary. Among women for whom chemotherapy was indicated, dietary supplement users and women with high CAM index scores were less likely than nonusers to initiate chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03-0.51; and OR per unit, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46-0.87, respectively). Use of mind-body practices was not related to chemotherapy initiation (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.57-3.59). There was no association between CAM use and chemotherapy initiation among women for whom chemotherapy was discretionary. CAM use was high among patients with early-stage breast cancer enrolled in a multisite prospective cohort study. Current dietary supplement use and higher number of CAM modalities used but not mind-body practices were associated with decreased initiation of clinically indicated chemotherapy. Oncologists should consider discussing CAM with their patients during the chemotherapy decision-making process.

The world Health Organization defines health as complete well-being in terms of physical, mental and social, and not merely the absence of disease. To attain this, individual should adapt and self-mange the social, physical and emotional challenges of life. Exposure to chronic stress due to urbanization, work stress, nuclear family, pollution, unhealthy food habits, lifestyle, accidental death in the family, and natural calamities are the triggering factors, leading to hormonal imbalance and inflammation in the tissue. The relationship between stress and illness is complex; all chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and asthma have their root in chronic stress attributed by inflammation. In recent times, yoga therapy has emerged as an important complementary alternative medicine for many human diseases. Yoga therapy has a positive impact on mind and body; it acts by incorporating appropriate breathing techniques and mindfulness to attain conscious direction of our awareness of the present moment by meditation, which helps achieve harmony between the body and mind. Studies have also demonstrated the important regulatory effects of yoga therapy on brain structure and functions. Despite these advances, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which yoga therapy renders its beneficial effects are inadequately known. A growing body of evidence suggests that yoga therapy has immunomodulatory effects. However, the precise mechanistic basis has not been addressed empirically. In this review, we have attempted to highlight the effect of yoga therapy on immune system functioning with an aim to identify important immunological signatures that index the effect of yoga therapy. Toward this, we have summarized the available scientific evidence showing positive impacts of yoga therapy. Finally, we have emphasized the efficacy of yoga in improving physical and mental well-being. Yoga has been a part of Indian culture and tradition for long; now, the time has come to scientifically validate this and implement this as an alternative treatment method for stress-related chronic disease.

Mind-body practices originated in ancient cultures to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Interest in their use in treatment stems from increasing awareness of their therapeutic potential and from the need for approaches that are cost-effective and have lower risks for adverse effects compared to pharmacological and other conventional interventions [1–3]. Rigorous research is needed to identify effective mind-body techniques and their mechanisms of action, if they are to be integrated into mainstream medicine [4]. The quality of evidence for mind-body practices varies widely. Scales for rating the quality of research are based on pharmacological studies. Very often the research design applicable to conventional medicine does not apply to mind-body practices. The diversity and complexity of interventions further confound efforts at conventional meta-analysis. Current studies are developing better control interventions and implementing more rigorous methods [2]. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) [5] states that “Developing insight into biological, physiological effects and mechanisms of action of mind and body interventions is critically important in developing translational research tools to design and execute maximally informative clinical research.” For evaluating mind-body research, modifications of the original CONSORT statement have been proposed and are being evaluated [6]. Studies of mind-body practices suggest numerous mechanisms of action at multiple levels, including gene expression at the cellular level; interactions among central brain regions with neuroplastic changes; and top-down and bottom-up feedback loops between the brain and the body, particularly via the nervous system, interoceptive communication, and circulating neurohormones [7–10]. Prominent among proposed mechanisms are the following: (a) repatterning of primary interoceptive and higher order homeostatic mechanisms; (b) improved central regulation of autonomic, psychologic, neurologic, immunologic, cardiorespiratory, and gastrointestinal functions; (c) reorganization within cortical and subcortical structures, interconnectivity adjustments among central regulatory networks, neurotransmitter changes, improved emotion regulation by higher centers, better interhemispheric balance, and enhanced cognitive function; and (d) modulation of epigenetic factors, such as growth factors or hormones, as well as extensive up- and downregulation of genes [11–13]. The manuscripts in this special issue include both research studies and reviews. For example, effects of mind and body practices on specific higher brain functions such as creativity are explored and with objective markers (pro-NGF levels). A study of 1297 adolescents documents the impact of mind and body practices on academic performance and cardiometabolic risk factors. In young musicians the effects of Qigong are reported to be an enhancement of proprioception and a reduction of anxiety-induced physiological changes. While these three studies focus on higher brain functions and proprioception, additional trials emphasize autonomic changes occurring with mind and body practices. For example, the effects of guided imagery on heart rate variability in students performing spaceflight emergency tasks are evaluated. In another study physiological feedback is matched with self-reported stress while participants perform short tasks. These studies involve healthy volunteers. A single clinical study examines the effect of mindfulness meditation on mood, quality of life and attention in adults with ADHD. All four review articles are on meditation. An activation likelihood estimation (ALE) reports a co-ordinate based meta-analysis of neuro-imaging studies in meditations of different types. Another review examines the electrophysiological changes in different meditations based on evoked and event-related potentials. Two other reviews looked at the physiological and cognitive effects of meditation, considered as a ‘journey without a goal'; and the psychological and neural effects of mindfulness practice underlying its positive impact on health. An interesting comparative review explores the impact different meditation traditions have on the autonomic nervous system and on phasic or tonic changes in attention. Identifying mind-body practices that show physiological or clear clinical benefits with appropriate biomarkers may lead to the refinement of certain techniques so that they become more efficient, less time-consuming, more effective, and better suited for the treatment of specific conditions. Also, mind-body practices can be used as noninvasive probes to explore fundamental neurophysiological processes and anatomic networks using brain imaging and other advanced technologies. Understanding the physiological changes, clinical benefits, adverse effects and contraindications associated with these practices will support the inclusion of mind-body treatments in mainstream medicine. By highlighting studies with biological markers and physiological measures, this special issue is intended to further the understanding of mechanisms underlying the diverse effects of mind and body techniques. Shirley Telles Patricia Gerbarg Elisa H. Kozasa

Yoga practices emphasize spinal energy's role in physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, suggesting specific techniques that can enhance energy flow along the spine. Modern research aims to validate these claims and understand the mechanisms behind these effects, potentially integrating them into contemporary healthcare models. This study explores the relationship between yoga breathing techniques, spinal energy dynamics, and health based on yoga philosophy and bioenergetics. Thirty participants, averaging 44 years old with 10-20 years of yoga practice, underwent sessions of slow deep breathing (SDB), alternate nostril breathing (ANB), kapalbhati pranayama, specific nostril breathing exercises, and moderate exercise as a control. Spinal energy was measured using the NeuralChek Spinal Energy system (BrainTap®INC, New Bern, NC), capturing baseline, session, and postsession readings. Statistical analyses assessed changes in spinal energy levels across cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions. SDB and ANB significantly increased spinal energy levels across multiple spinal regions. Kapalbhati pranayama showed variable effects, with significant decreases observed in some regions. Specific nostril breathing exercises also demonstrated significant increases in spinal energy. In contrast, exercise resulted in decreased spinal energy levels, particularly in cervical and lumbar regions. The findings highlight the potential of yoga breathing techniques to influence spinal energy dynamics, correlating with traditional yoga teachings on energy centers and modern concepts of bioenergetics. These results suggest avenues for integrating yoga practices, particularly breathing techniques, into holistic healthcare approaches aimed at enhancing physiological and psychological well-being. Further research could explore underlying mechanisms and clinical applications, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary scientific understanding for optimized health outcomes.

The prevalence, characteristics, expenditure and predictors of complementary medicine use in Australians living with gastrointestinal disorders: A cross-sectional study

An increasing number of patients with asthma are attracted by complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Therefore, it is of importance that scientific evidence about the efficacy of this type of therapy is regarded. We searched the electronic databases Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library for controlled trials and systematic reviews to evaluate the evidence of the most popular alternative therapies, i.e. acupuncture, homeopathy, breathing techniques, herbal and nutritional therapies. Claims that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of asthma are not based on well-performed clinical trials. The role of homeopathy in the treatment of asthma needs further evaluation. Breathing techniques, e.g. improved control of breathing by yoga, may contribute to the control of asthma symptoms, but due to the small number of controlled trials and due to the small number of patients it is not possible to make firm judgments. Herbal remedies cannot be recommended based on the available evidence. Recommendations for a diet high in vitamin C and marine fatty acids are not harmful, but evidence for clinically meaningful effects are scant. Up to now evidence is lacking that alternative forms of medicine are more effective than placebo in asthma. However, lack of evidence does not always mean that treatment is ineffective, but it could mean that effectiveness has not been adequately investigated. High quality research as in conventional therapy should be fostered in complementary medicine.

BackgroundThe inclusion of prayer-for-health (PFH) in the definition of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) has resulted in higher levels of CAM use. The objective of this study was to assess PFH and CAM use among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed at two chemotherapy providers. Patients were questioned about use of three categories of CAM, mind-body practices (MBPs), natural products (NPs) and traditional medicine (TM). PFH was also examined separately from CAM to better characterise the patterns of CAM and PFH used during chemotherapy.ResultsA total of 546 eligible patients participated in the study; 70.7% (n = 386) reported using some form of CAM, and 29.3% (n = 160) were non-CAM users. When PFH was excluded as a CAM, fewer patients reported the use of CAM (66.1%; n = 361). The total number of patients who used MBPs decreased from 342 to 183. The most common CAM use category was NPs (82.8%), followed by MBPs (50.7%), and TM (35.7%). CAM users were more likely to have a tertiary education (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.15–3.89 vs. primary/lower), have household incomes > RM 3,000 (≈944 USD) per month (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.40–3.84 vs. ≤RM 3,000 (≈944 USD)), and have advanced cancer (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.18–2.59 vs. early stage cancer), compared with non-CAM users. The CAM users were less likely to have their chemotherapy on schedule (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.10–0.58 vs. chemotherapy postponed) than non-CAM users. Most MBPs were perceived to be more helpful by their users, compared with the users of NPs and TM.ConclusionCAM use was prevalent among breast cancer patients. Excluding PFH from the definition of CAM reduced the prevalence of overall CAM use. Overall, CAM use was associated with higher education levels and household incomes, advanced cancer and lower chemotherapy schedule compliance. Many patients perceived MBP to be beneficial for improving overall well-being during chemotherapy. These findings, while preliminary, clearly indicate the differences in CAM use when PFH is included in, and excluded from, the definition of CAM.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-425) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.