Alternate Nostril Breathing Research Articles

Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Functions in Hypertensive Adults: A Systematic Review

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), primarily driven by hypertension (HTN), are a leading global health concern. While medication is commonly used to manage HTN, non-pharmacological approaches like ANB are gaining interest. ANB is a yogic breathing technique believed to modulate the autonomic nervous system, influencing heart rate and blood pressure. Methods: A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines assessed studies published between 2015 and 2022 that investigated the effects of ANB on blood pressure in human subjects. Results: Six studies were included, with findings suggesting a potential benefit of ANB for reducing blood pressure. All studies, except one, reported significant reductions in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure after ANB practice. Intervention duration varied across studies, ranging from single sessions to six weeks of daily practice. Some studies also observed a decrease in heart rate and improved vascular function following ANB. However, limitations exist: unclear control groups in some studies and varying intervention protocols. Discussion: Despite promising preliminary evidence, further well-designed, randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols are needed. Future research should compare ANB with sham interventions or standard medical management, and explore the underlying mechanisms of how ANB might influence blood pressure. Conclusion: While the current evidence requires further confirmation, ANB appears to be a safe and potentially beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for managing blood pressure, potentially as an adjunct to medication. Healthcare professionals may consider suggesting ANB to hypertensive patients, alongside lifestyle modifications and medication, but emphasize the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new practice.

Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing on Pain Level among Heart Failure and Renal Failure Patients.

Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing on Pain Level among Heart Failure and Renal Failure Patients.

The Effect of Nadi Shodhan Yoga on Sinus Symptoms Associated with Hay Fever

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, poses significant challenges globally, impactingindividuals with symptoms like sinus issues, sneezing, and nasal congestion.Traditional medical approaches often focus on symptom relief, promptingexploration into holistic alternatives such as Nadi Sodhan (alternate nostrilbreathing). Grounded in ancient yogic practices, Nadi Sodhan involves rhythmicbreathing to harmonize life-force energy. Recognizing a lack of dedicated studiesin this area, our research aimed to investigate Nadi Sodhan Yoga’s potentialimpact on sinus symptoms associated with hay fever. Involving 22 participants,randomly assigned to Nadi Sodhan Yoga or control groups, the study spannedan eight-week intervention using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of LifeQuestionnaire to assess sinus symptoms. Results revealed a significant reductionin troublesome symptoms, indicating the potential of Nadi Sodhan Yoga inmanaging hay fever-related sinus issues. The study emphasizes the holisticbenefits of intentional breath regulation, offering insights into innovativeinterventions for allergic rhinitis. Further exploration could deepen ourunderstanding of the intricate link between intentional breath regulation andrespiratory health, fostering holistic approaches to related conditions.

Effect of an Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise On Fatigue and Quality of Sleep Pattern Among Pregnant Women in Third Trimester

Effect of an Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise On Fatigue and Quality of Sleep Pattern Among Pregnant Women in Third Trimester

Effect of Nadishodhana Pranayama on Cognitive Function amongHealthy Individuals

Background & Objectives: The Nadishodhana pranayama, alternate nostril breathing, activates and harmonizes ida and pingala nadis. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of commonly practiced Nadishodhana pranayama on cognitive functions in healthy individuals.Methods: A randomized control trial of 60 Subjects of age group fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to Group 1, study group (n=30) and Group 2 control group (n=30). Nadishodhana pranayama training was given for 15 min per session, 6 days per week for the duration of 8 weeks. Pre and Post parameters were recorded. Assessments were done using Cognitive parameters letter cancellation test, trail-making tests A and B (TMT), forward and backward digit spans.Results: The study assessed the effect of NSP on executive functions. The data was tested for normality using the Shapiro-wilks test. Within group comparisons and between groups comparisons were made using paired t test and independent sample test consecutively. Within group comparisons for study group showed a significant improvement in Single Letter Cancellation Test (p=0.0028) and digit span forward (p<0.0005). Interestingly there was a significant reduction in digit span backward (p=0.005) in the control group. Between group comparisons showed a significant improvement in the digit span forward test following the intervention (p=0.003). The results suggest that Nadishodhana pranayama are beneficial for cognitive functions.Interpretation & Conclusion: Nadishodhana pranayama practice is beneficial for improving cognitive functions, Hence Nadishodhana pranayama can be prescribed as effective modality to improve attention and manipulation in auditory working memory.

Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise on Reducing Anxiety and Blood Pressure among Pre-eclamptic Women

Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise on Reducing Anxiety and Blood Pressure among Pre-eclamptic Women

Heart Failure Versus Renal Failure Patients in Relation to Outcomes of Alternate Nostril Breathing: Comparative Study.

Heart Failure Versus Renal Failure Patients in Relation to Outcomes of Alternate Nostril Breathing: Comparative Study.

Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing on Blood Pressure among Hypertensives in a Selected Urban Community of Gurugram (Haryana)

High blood pressure is the most common chronic medical problem prompting visits to Community health care providers in US (80%) and India (25% rural and 33% urban). There has been an alarming increase in the hypertension burden worldwide. Antihypertensive drugs and lifestyle modifications including exercises remains mainstay of treatment. This study aimed to determine effect of alternate nostril breathing on blood pressure among hypertensive patients. It was a quasi-experimental study employing a pre-test post-test control group design. Sixty purposively selected participants were randomly allocated into experimental and control groups (30 each). Blood pressure was measured using a calibrated digital sphygmomanometer. The experimental group received an intervention of ANB, administered twice daily for 10 minutes over 15 days. Both the groups continued their hypertension medication throughout the study. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were taken on day 1 (baseline) and day 15 (post-test). The majority of participants were females and over 60 years of age. A significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed in the experimental group, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Control group also showed significant difference in both systolic and diastolic readings from day 1 to day 15 (p<0.001), likely due to ongoing hypertension medication. To conclude, alternate breathing exercise was effective in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

교대 콧구멍 호흡 운동이 심박수 및 혈압에 미치는 영향

Purpose: This is a meta-analysis study that conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses to determine the effects of alternate nostril breathing(ANB) on pulse and blood pressure.
 Methods: This study was a meta-analysis following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis(PRISMA). Studies from the last 10 years from June 2023 were collected from four international electronic databases. Qualitative assessments were conducted using the risk-bias-tool from the cochrane library. Revman 5.4 was used for statistics and pooled using a random effect model.
 Results: A total of four studies were selected, and 310 subjects were evaluated. The analysis showed a significant difference in pulse(SMD=-0.84; 95% CI=-1.44 to -0.24; heterogeneity (χ2=37.48, df=4, I2=89%); overall effect (Z=2.73)). Systolic blood pressure showed a significant difference (SMD=-0.79; 95% CI=-1.35 to -0.23; heterogeneity (χ2=63.07, df=6, I2=90%); overall effect (Z=2.75)). Diastolic blood pressure showed a significant difference (SMD=-0.54; 95% CI=-1.07 to -0.00; heterogeneity (χ2=58.59, df=6, I2=90%); overall effect (Z=1.97)).
 Conclusion: ANB exercise reduces pulse and blood pressure, making it an effective adjunctive therapy alongside routine conventional care and treatment for hypertension.

Effect of breathing exercises on blood pressure and heart rate: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundBreathing exercises have been reported to have positive physiological effects on the body. The incidence of hypertension has become a major risk factor for cardiac complications leading to higher morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the effect of breathing exercises on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis analyzing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) about the effect of breathing exercises on blood pressure was conducted (PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42022316413). PubMed, ScienceDirect, WebofScience, and Cochrane Library databases were screened for RCTs from January 2017 to September 2022. The main search terms included “breathing exercise”, “Pranayam”, “Bhramari”, “alternate nostril breathing”, “deep breathing”, “slow breathing”, “hypertension”, and “high blood pressure”. The primary outcome was the value of the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure after the intervention. The effect on heart rate was also analyzed as a secondary outcome. ResultsA total of 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Breathing exercises have a modest but significant effect on decreasing systolic blood pressure (−7.06 [-10.20, −3.92], P = <0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (−3.43 [-4.89, −1.97], P = <0.01) mm Hg. Additionally, breathing exercises were also observed to cause a significant decrease in the heart rate (−2.41 [-4.53, −0.30], P = 0.03) beats/minute. ConclusionIn a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of breathing exercises and its effect on BP and HR, there is a moderate but significant positive effect. The studies are not deprived of bias.

Home Based Walking Exercises and Alternative Nasal Breathing Decrease Blood Pressure in Pre-Elderly People with Hypertension

The condition known as hypertension is brought on by the body's elevated blood pressure as a result of the heart pounding too hard. Hypertension is caused by a variety of causes, including both modifiable and unmodifiable ones. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of alternate nostril breathing and walking exercise at home on the blood pressure of senior hypertension patients. A quasi-experiment with a pre-post test control group design methodology is used in the research design. Using the Total Sampling approach, 50 respondents with hypertension made up the research sample. In two weeks, the intervention was performed four times. The paired t-test results indicate that the combination of alternate nostril breathing and home-based walking exercise has an effect on blood pressure in the treatment group (both diastolic and systolic have p values = 0.000), while the control group experiences no change in blood pressure (diastolic has p values = 0.200 and systolic has p values = 0.195). The findings of the Independent T-Test demonstrated variations in blood pressure changes in both the systolic and diastolic domains between the treatment and control groups (diastolic p-value = 0.000), and systolic (p-value = 0.000). The findings of the Independent T-Test demonstrated variations in blood pressure changes in both the systolic and diastolic domains between the treatment and control groups ,diastolic (p-value = 0.000), and systolic (p-value = 0.000). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure drop as a result of an increase in endorphin chemicals and a decrease in cortisol. This calms and relaxes the body and balances the actions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It is advised that individuals with pre-elderly hypertension who are able to independently implement combination therapies in an attempt to control their blood pressure. Kata kunci: Home Based Walking Exercise, Alternate Nostril Breathing, Pre-Elderly, Hypertension

Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise versus Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise on Dyspnea and Fatigue among Asthmatic Patients

Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise versus Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise on Dyspnea and Fatigue among Asthmatic Patients

Effectiveness of Pursed Lip Breathing and Alternate-Nostril Breathing in Patients with Respiratory Dysfunction

Respiratory dysfunctions are the diseases or disorders like Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, COPD and tuberculosis. Among respiratory dysfunctions, COPD is the most common and may be fatal. Objective: To observe the effectiveness of pursed lip breathing and alternate-nostril breathing in patients of respiratory dysfunction. Methods: This study is aimed to see the effects of PLB and ANB on respiratory outcomes in COPD patients. Qausi Experimental study was completed on 100 participants of age between 24-60 years. Purposive sampling is used to select the population. The participants were selected on the basis of inclusion criteria. Informed consent was taken before the start of exercise. Pulse oximeter was used to assess oxygen saturation values, numeric pain rating scale rating pain from 1-10 , was used to check pain level and Samn-perelli fatigue scale rating fatigue from 1-7 from fully alert till completely exhausted was used respectively. SPSS (version 23) was used for statistical analysis. Findings show that there is marked improvement in respiratory functions including oxygen saturation, pain and fatigue. Results: Outcomes after 4-6 weeks of performing pursed lip breathing shows improvement in oxygen saturation and alternate nostril decreases fatigue and pain with the p-value 0.05 which is highly significant. According to statistics, all respiratory variables are highly significant with the p-value&lt;0.05. Conclusions: It is concluded that pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing is an effective in improving oxygen saturation and respiratory rate. It is an inexpensive, non-pharmacological and easy method and helped in improving respiratory outcomes.

Effect of alternate nostril breathing exercise on autonomic functions, ocular hypertension, and quality of life in elderly with systemic hypertension and high-tension primary open-angle glaucoma

Investigating the response of ocular hypertension and quality of life to a 4-week alternate-nostril breathing exercise (ANBE) in older adults with systemic hypertension (SH) and high-tension form of primary open-angle glaucoma (HTF-POAG) was our aim. Sixty older adults with SH and HTF-POAG were randomly assigned to the ANBE group (n=30, received morning and evening 30 min sessions of daily ANBE) or the control (waitlist) group (n=30). Right-eye intraocular pressure (IOP), left-eye IOP, blood pressure, short-form-36 survey (SF36S), rates of respiration and radial-artery pulsation, hospital anxiety and depression scale (depression subscale abbreviated as HADS-D and anxiety subscale abbreviated as HADS-A), and glaucoma quality-of-life 15-item questionnaire (GQoL-15) were assessed. All measurements were improved in the ANBE group only. In conclusion, a 4-week ANBE could be an adjunctive modality to improve HADS-D, rates of respiration and radial-artery pulsation, HADS-A, blood pressure, IOP, GQol-15, and SF36S in older adults SH and HTF-POAG.

The Effect of Anulom Vilom on Cardiovascular Variables of Hypertensive Patients

Background: Yoga is the best lifestyle modification, which aims to attain the unity of mind, body and spirit through Asanas (exercises), pranayama (breathing), and meditation. Breathing exercises includes an alternate nostril breathing (ANB) which consists of slow, deep and quite breaths using one nostril at a time. Prana (energy) and Ayam (to expand or control) form the word Pranayama. So, it is a technique to control or expand the energy in the body. Hypertension is one of the most common diseases around the globe and its prevalence is rapidly increasing. Persistent hypertension results in premature death due to developing coronary heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular disease such as heart failure. Medical treatment to cure hypertension is not always enough to control their blood pressure to target level of 140/90. Yoga the traditional practice from Indian culture has been used effectively in various health disorder issues and can be used as a supplementary medicine. Aim and Objectives: To study the effect of ANULOM VILOM Pranayama on Cardiovascular variables in hypertensive patients. Method:20 hypertensive subjects of 40-70 years age group, fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent 15 mins of ANULOM VILOM Pranayama daily for 4 weeks. Pre and post pranayama cardiovascular variables were assessed by recording systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Result: There was significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate after practicing pranayama for 4 weeks. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the regular practice of ANULOM VILOM Pranayama for 4 weeks reduces the cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients. Keywords: Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure, Heart rate, ANULOM VILOM, Hypertension.

Nitric Oxide and Its Significance in Respiratory Muscle Training

Paranasal sinuses are the primary site of production of Nitric Oxide in the human body. Nitric oxide leads to improvement in lung functions as it increases oxygen transport throughout the body. Nasal breathing has links to many breathing patterns and techniques employed in yoga. Humming exercise is a part of the ancient breathing technique used in yoga namely, Bhramari Pranayama and in humming, the nitric oxide peak is coming from the paranasal sinuses because of the oscillating sound waves produced. Pranayama or breath regulation has gained a special place in Yoga and includes various techniques such as bastrika (bellow’s breath), Nadishodhana (alternate nostril breathing) etc. There are no definitive guidelines for indication and dosimetry of these techniques in various respiratory disorders. There is dearth of literature till date that provides an established protocol of breathing training with humming maneuver and with incorporation of other pranayama techniques. Keywords: Nitric oxide, Humming, Bhramari pranayama, Bhastrika.

Effect of alternate nostril breathing exercises on cardiorespiratory function- a systematic review

Introduction- Alternate nostril breathing has positively affected the cardio-respiratory system. This review aimed to compile information on the effects of alternate nostril breathing on cardiorespiratory function. Method– Databases such as PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to review current evidence of randomized control trials (RCT) on alternate nostril breathing over the past two decades. Out of 89 articles, six were chosen for the final data extraction based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results- All of the final included studies demonstrated a significant improvement in respiratory endurance and functioning and a high heart rate variability (HRV) that mostly has a parasympathetic effect. Conclusion- Alternate nostril breathing shows promising results in reducing stress, improving cardiovascular and respiratory function, and reducing complications of pulmonary problems in the future.

The Effect of Specific Techniques of Nasal Breathing [Pranayama] on Intra-Ocular Pressure in Normal Individuals, a Randomized Trial.

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy where intraocular pressure is the only modifiable risk factor. Yoga is thought to adversely affect intra-ocular pressure (IOP) but we do not know if yogic breathing exercises can influence IOP. With this study, we aimed to determine the effect of specific nasal breathing techniques on intra-ocular pressure in normal individuals. One hundred and sixty-four normal subjects were randomly assigned to one of four specific breathing groups - right nostril breathing (RNB), left nostril breathing (LNB), alternate nostril breathing (ANB), normal breathing (NB). The IOP was measured in both eyes at baseline and following the breathing exercise; and the change was analyzed. Eighty-five women and 79 men participated and there was no significant difference in baseline age or IOP between the groups. In RNB, IOP reduced significantly in both right and left eyes, from 14.3 ± 3.0mmHg to 13.9 ± 2.6mmHg, (p=0.022) and from 14.7 ± 3.2mmHg to 14.2 ± 3mmHg (p=0.016) respectively. In LNB, there was no significant IOP change in the right eye, whereas in the left eye, there was a significant reduction from 14.2 ± 2.7mmHg to 13.3 ± 2.5mmHg (p< 0.0001). There was no significant IOP change in ANB and NB. Specific breathing techniques like right and left nostril breathing, alternate nostril breathing are safe and do not raise IOP in normal subjects. Additionally, right and left nostril breathing techniques have a beneficial effect of lowering IOP.

Effect of alternate nostril breathing on evoked potentials among internet addicts.

Increased availability of smartphones and easy access to the internet among adolescents has resulted in Internet Addiction (IA). Effects of IA and Pranayama on evoked potential are available but studies on the comparison of immediate and 6-week effects of alternate nostril breathing on evoked potentials among medicos with internet addiction are not available as per our search in PubMed, hence the study was chosen. In this comparative study 100 male and female medical students aged between 18-25 years, with internet addiction scores ≥ 50 were included as study participants. P300 auditory event-related potential and pattern reversal visual evoked potential (VEP) were recorded before, immediately, and 6 weeks after practicing pranayama. Repeated measure ANOVA shows statistically significant change (P<0.05) in P300 amplitude, P100 latency, N145 latency, and VEP amplitude. The post hoc Bonferroni test shows that P100 latency and N145 latency significantly reduced immediately after 15 minutes of pranayama. P300 amplitude and VEP amplitude significantly increased only after practicing pranayama for 6 weeks. Pranayama has an immediate effect on latency, but it takes 6 weeks of practice to significantly change amplitude.

The respiratory exercise significance in the olfaction restoration in the postcovid period

One of the pathognomonic COVID‑19 signs, occurring in 85‑98% of patients, is olfactory dysfunction, developing in the absence of pronounced inflammation and edema of the nasal mucosa. A promising medicine direction that helps restore microcirculation, increase blood oxygenation, improve metabolism and regenerate olfactory epithelial cells is the Nadi Shodhana breathing exercise technique.Objective: To assess the possibilities of using the pranayama technique as a method of restorative olfactory treatment in the post‑covid period.Materials and methods: 79 persons aged 22 to 68 years with olfactory disturbances occurring at COVID‑19 and persisting in the post‑covid period were examined. As a restorative treatment for olfactory disorders, the patients of the main group were offered a course of Nadi Shodhana breathing exercises, which is an alternate nostril breathing. Breathing training consisted of three such cycles performed three times a day at the same time for 15 days. The possibility of using the pranayama technique was assessed according to the visual analog scale. The control group consisted of 74 patients with olfactory disorders after COVID‑19 comparable in sex and age with the main group.Results: Olfactory disorders are characteristic of post‑COVID patients. Using Nadi Shodhana breathing exercise course can significantly reduce the olfactory dysfunction level in this patient category. It was showen that the pranayama technique is more effective in people under 40 years of age. It was also established that the olfaction restoration largely depends on the duration of the dysfunction period.Conclusion: The study results make it possible to recommend the using breathing exercises in patients underwent COVID‑19 to restore olfaction in the post‑COVID period.