Pranayama Techniques Research Articles

Impact of Yoga Therapy on D-dimer Level in Asymptomatic Varicose Vein Disease – a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Varicose veins (VV) affect a significant portion of the population, particularly middle-aged men, causing discomfort and potential complications. Elevated D-dimer levels may indicate thrombotic risk in VV patients. Yoga therapy (YT) has emerged as a complementary approach for managing vascular disorders, but its impact on biomarkers like D-dimer remains unclear, especially in middle-aged men with VV. Material and Methods: This randomized controlled trial recruited 80 middle-aged men diagnosed with VV. Participants were equally and randomly assigned to a yoga therapy group (YTG) or a control group (CG). The YTG received tailored YT sessions three days a week for 12 weeks, focusing on specific asanas, pranayama techniques, and meditation. The CG continued with their usual activities. Outcome assessments included Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure, Heart rate (HR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and D-dimer levels. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention period for both groups. Results: Following the yoga intervention in varicose vein patients, significant improvements were observed compared to the CG. SBP decreased from 140 mmHg to 128 mmHg in the YTG, whereas in the CG, it decreased from 142 mmHg to 138 mmHg. Similarly, DBP decreased from 90 mmHg to 85 mmHg in the YTG, while in the CG, it decreased from 92 mmHg to 90 mmHg. Heart rate also showed improvement in both groups, with a decrease from 80 bpm to 70 bpm in the YTG and from 82 bpm to 78 bpm in the CG. Furthermore, levels of hs-CRP decreased from 3.5 mg/L to 2.8 mg/L following the intervention in the YTG, whereas in the CG, there was a slight increase from 3.6 mg/L to 3.7 mg/L. Moreover, D-dimer levels, indicative of thrombotic risk, decreased from 1.6 mg/L to 1.4 mg/L after the YT, whereas in the CG, they remained relatively stable at 1.7 mg/L before and after the intervention. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of YT as a non-invasive intervention for managing VV and reducing thrombotic risk in middle-aged men. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms underlying the observed effects of yoga on biomarkers like D-dimer.

Buteyko Breathing Technique versus Pranayama Technique on Asthma Control among Asthmatic Patients.

Buteyko Breathing Technique versus Pranayama Technique on Asthma Control among Asthmatic Patients.

Enhancing Respiratory Function and Cardiovascular Endurance through Intensive Yogic Intervention: A Comprehensive Study

Background. Optimal respiratory function and cardiovascular endurance are integral to overall health and athletic performance. Yogic interventions have emerged as potential strategies to enhance physiological and physical parameters. These metrics not only unlock the human body’s potential but also play a vital role in increasing sports performance. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured yogic regimen in improving respiratory function and cardiovascular endurance in young male adults, shedding light on yoga’s role as a complementary approach to physical fitness enhancement. Materials and methods. Forty (N=40) male undergraduate university students (aged 18 to 25 years) were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=20) and control group (n=20). The experimental investigation centered on vital capacity (VC), both positive and negative breath holding times (PBHT and NBHT), peak flow rate (PFR), and cardiovascular endurance (CVE). Using an analytical research approach, a randomized pre-test-post-test-controlled group design was implemented. The experimental group engaged in daily yoga sessions supervised by certified instructors, incorporating various asanas, pranayama techniques, and meditation, while the control group maintained their regular lifestyle. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of respiratory parameters and cardiovascular endurance were conducted using standardized tests. Statistical analyses, including Levene’s test for normality, and paired t-tests for intra-group comparisons, were performed using SPSS software (IBM, version 25, Chicago). The experiment lasted for six weeks, with a significance level set at α = 0.05. Results. The paired t-test analyses demonstrated significant improvements in VC t(19) = 4.96, and p <0.000; PBHT t(19) = 6.34, and p <0.000; NBHT t(19) = 4.18, and p <0.001; PFR t(19) = 7.02, and p <0.000; as well as CVE t(19) = 3.96, and p <0.001, within the experimental group. Conversely, no significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions. The findings underscore the effectiveness of a six-week yogic intervention in enhancing respiratory function and cardiovascular endurance among young male adults. Integrating yoga into exercise routines may yield substantial benefits for physical fitness improvement.

Effect of pranayama on pulmonary functions and heart rate variability in patients with mild-to-moderate persistent bronchial asthma

Background: The global burden of bronchial asthma is on the rise. Asthma is a disorder of airflow obstruction associated with deranged pulmonary functions and autonomic imbalance. Though past studies have shown the beneficial effects of various asanas and breathing exercises in bronchial asthma, the role of such non-pharmacological alternative modalities in reducing morbidity and financial burden in patients is far from clear. Aims and Objectives: To assess the effect of Pranayama techniques on pulmonary functions and heart rate variability parameters in bronchial asthma patients. Materials and Methods: In our present study, we have recruited patients with mild-to-moderate bronchial asthma after taking written and informed consent. These patients were then asked to perform three pranayama techniques, namely Suryanadi, Bhastrika, and Kapalabhati pranayama, for 30 min a day, 3 days a week, for up to 4 weeks. Pulmonary function test parameters (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1st s [FEV1], FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate) and Autonomic function test parameters (Time domain: mean HR, mean RR, NN50, pNN50, SDNN; Frequency domain: very low frequency (LF), LF, LF/high frequency (HF) ratio, total power) were compared before and after the intervention using a paired t-test. Results: After the intervention, improvements were recorded in pulmonary functions. Furthermore, pranayama was found to cause a shift in the sympathovagal balance toward the parasympathetic system. However, the changes recorded were not statistically significant. This shows further research in this field is required with a larger sample size, which may yield statistically significant data. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that pranayama can be a useful alternative therapy for reducing morbidity and mortality in bronchial asthma patients.

The Effect of Pranayama Applied to Hemodialysis Patients on Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The present study was conducted to examine the effects of Pranayama applied to hemodialysis patients on fatigue. The study was completed with 91 patients, including Pranayama (n = 30), Relaxation (n = 30), and Control groups (n = 31). The patients in the Pranayama group applied the interventions 15 to 20 minutes every day, once a day, for a total of 3 months, and the patients in the relaxation practice group applied the interventions 15 to 20 minutes every day, once a day, for a total of 3 months. Before the study commenced, permission was obtained from health care institutions, the ethics committee, and the patients. The data were collected with a Questionnaire, Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), visual analog scale, and Vital Findings Form. Piper Fatigue Scale consists of 4 subdimensions, the total score obtained from the scale varies between 0 and 10, and as the score increases, the level of fatigue also increases. It was found that the patients in the Pranayama Group had decreased PFS total and subdimension mean scores after the procedure (P < .05); however, no significant changes were detected in the PFS total and subdimension mean scores of the patients in the Relaxation and Control groups (P > .05). Although the decrease in the daily fatigue severity of the patients in the Pranayama group was at a statistically significant level (P < .05), no statistically significant changes were detected in the fatigue severity of the patients in the Relaxation and Control groups (P > .05). It was also found that the blood pressure values of the patients in the Pranayama and Relaxation groups decreased (P < .05). It was found in the present study that Pranayama reduced the fatigue levels of hemodialysis patients. In this respect, it is recommended to teach and apply Pranayama techniques to patients with the support of nurses.

A two-arm open labeled randomized controlled prospective clinical study to assess the efficacy of ‘Kumbhak Kriya-selected from Kumbhak Paddhati Text’ in the management of anxiety neurosis of working women with ayurvedic perspective

The mild to severe stress of juggling work and family that eventually develops into Anxiety Neurosis is something every working woman has to deal with. The mental and physical effects of prolonged stress are known as Rasavaha and Manovaha Srotasdushti, respectively. Constant anxiety causes abnormalities that make it difficult to function normally in daily life. In the workplace, women who suffer from anxiety neurosis may find relief through pranayama. In this trial we studied the efficacy of Kumbhak Kriya Pranayama from the "Kumbhak Paddhati Text": in Treating Anxiety and Neurosis in Professional Women. Here, we have provided the results of a randomized, prospective, controlled clinical trial with an open label, total 100 female patients working for more than 8 hours every day and 50 patients with anxiety neurosis were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the Experimental Group or the Control Group. Everyone in the Experimental Group was instructed in various forms of Pranayama and then monitored on Days 7, 21, and 42. Follow-up evaluation based on subjective and objective indicators. The data was put through the right statistical procedures so that conclusions could be drawn. In clinical evaluations, selected Pranayama - Kumbhak Kriya from the "Kumbhak Paddhati Manuscript" showed promising results for treating anxiety neurosis in professional women. Neither during nor after the research period were any untoward effects recorded. So, Kumbhak Kriya-selected from Kumbhak Paddhati Text i.e., some Pranayama techniques can help working women with Anxiety Neurosis.

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 Pranayama as per Trishikhbrahmana Upanishad on Sleep Quality in Adults: An Experimental Study

Context: The Upanishads are primary texts of Yoga philosophy and practices. Various Yoga Upanishads have given detailed description of various yogic practices along with their spiritual and physical benefits. This study aims to assess the effect of one Pranayama practice from Trishikhbrahmana Upanishad on sleep quality in adults. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a Pranayama technique (described in the Trishikhbrahmana Upanishad) on sleep quality in adults. Settings and Design: An experimental study was conducted on volunteer participants from North India. Subjects and Methods: A pretest–posttest control group study was designed where the participants (n = 30) were randomized into study (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The study group was given the Pranayama intervention for 30 days whereas the control group was not given any intervention throughout the study. The sleep quality was assessed by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical Analysis Used: GraphPad Instat Software was used to carry out independent t-test. The mean and standard deviation were also calculated. Results: The results showed a significant improvement in the postglobal PSQI score in the study group (P &lt; 0.001) whereas there was no significant change in the pre- and postglobal PSQI score in the control group (P = 0.941). Conclusion: The results suggest that the Pranayama technique from the text and its effects are true in improving the sleep quality in adults but future studies with a larger sample size and some other physiological parameter assessments may further support the textual claim.

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.

Relevance of Yama in Modern Times

General perception of yoga is practice of Asana, Pranayama or meditation technique for therapeutic purposes. The foundational ethical principles of yoga are not considered in the modern time practices. Yama and niyama are not widely known and are not even taught in the yoga classes. This paper discusses the concept of ethical principles of yoga and its importance in modern times. Increasing crimes, family disputes for money, unethical behavior in public places and not to forget fight for the religions, whose aim is to bring peace and harmony in the society. So Purpose of this study is to understand how world can be a better place, if in every school ethical principles are taught, kids are molded in such a way and every individual follows it. Through hermeneutics and intertextual approaches it is seen that the impact of yama (social discipline) helps to move beyond one's natural tendencies of anger, frustration and disappointment. By bringing change in each self, their emotions will bring change in the energy in the body and change in behavior and thoughts. Society will be crime free and more peaceful.

Impact of Yoga Intervention on Physical and Mental Health of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: The aim of this study was to discuss the components of yoga intervention and experimental design used to assess its effectiveness in diabetes care centers in Chennai. Materials and Methods: An interventional, randomized prospective study design was adopted. The study was conducted over a 6-month period. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, participants were selected from Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre. Informed consent was obtained, and participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the intervention group underwent yoga training every 2 weeks for up to 3 months. Each yoga session lasted 35 min and included a variety of asanas and pranayama techniques. Participants were also given an audio recording (CD) of the yoga instructions, and they were encouraged to practice yoga at home and advised to keep track of their progress in a dairy provided. Diabetes care was provided to the control group on a routine basis. In addition to biochemical parameters, mental health parameters were also assessed. Independent t-test was performed using SPSS 24.0. Results: A total of 152 participants were screened and randomized with 76 in the intervention arm and 76 in the control arm. There were no challenges in participants recruitment and retention. Data were collected during enrollment, 13 and 26 weeks. At baseline, the intervention arm's mean HbA1c (%) was 8.4 ± 1.1%, whereas in the control arm, it was 8.3 ± 1.1% (P = 0.290), and fasting blood glucose levels were 142± 27 mg/dL in the intervention arm and 141 ± 29 mg/dL in the control arm (P = 0.811). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of lipid profile or mental health parameters at baseline. Conclusion: There is a major lacuna for controlled trials with methodological rigor in yoga intervention; this study may contribute to fill this requirement by systematically elucidating the role of yoga in the management of diabetes and to prevent complications. This study will provide a cost-effective care for people with diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2018/04/013169

Pranayama dalam Prenatal Yoga

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Pregnancy is an event that occurs in women which generally gives various changes in themselves. Along with the development of the fetus and increasing gestational age, a woman will certainly experience several changes such as physical changes, psychological changes, and social status of the mother&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;. The changes that occur during pregnancy generally occur as symptoms and occur for most pregnant women. Either with, arise, or fear that is in itself, especially in pregnant women, one of the prenatal yoga exercises can be effectively overcome by doing pranayama exercises. During pregnancy, the body's needs are certainly different from the bodies of people who have never experienced the process of pregnancy. Likewise, with the need for pranayama exercises performed during pregnancy, which of course not all pranayama techniques can be practiced during pregnancy.&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;There are several pranayama techniques that are good to practice during pregnancy, namely diaphragmatic breathing techniques, dirgha swasam breathing techniques, sitkari pranayama, sitali pranayama, bhramari pranayama, ujjayi pranayama, and anuloma viloma pranayama.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Inhaled nasopharyngeal nitric oxide concentrations during unilateral nostril breathing – A pilot study

The yogic pranayama technique of unilateral nostril breathing (UNB) has previously demonstrated improvements in language and anxiety in stroke sufferers, as well as reduced blood pressure and increased heart rate in normal healthy adults. The nose typically passes different amounts of air through each nostril with the greater amount of air passing through the ‘patent’ side, and a lesser amount through the ‘congested’ side. Each side of the nose periodically takes turns at carrying the dominant tidal air flow in what is termed the’ nasal cycle’. The nasal sinuses are a rich source of inhaled nitric oxide, a colourless and odourless gas that acts as a bronchodilator, vasodilator, and neurotransmitter. Nasal derived nitric oxide (NO) may contribute to the benefits attributed to UNB. This investigation seeks to assess the influence the nasal cycle has on inhaled nasopharyngeal NO concentrations during UNB by comparing unobstructed bilateral nostril breathing to patent-side and congested-side UNB in healthy individuals demonstrating a nasal cycle.After determining the patent and congested nasal sides in healthy adult volunteers, and sampling air at both nostrils, nasopharyngeal inhaled NO concentrations were then assessed during normal nasal at-rest tidal breathing during three different nasal breathing states: first both nostrils, then allocated in randomised order, patent side only, and congested side with only UNB.Nasopharyngeal NO concentrations were found to be consistently higher on both exhalation and inhalation during congested side UNB, when compared with either unilateral patent side UNB or breathing through both nostrils.

Effect of Pranayama Techniques with Marmanasthanam Kriya as Yogic Relaxation on Biopsychosocial Parameters Prior to Endodontic Therapy: A Cross Sectional Study Design.

Background: The root canal treatment is one of the common dental or endodontic therapies associated with high levels of patient anxiety. Yoga therapy (YT) is reported in medical literature as an effective modality in bringing down anxiety in clinical scenarios; however, the reports of the same for dental settings are fewer. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of YT on biopsychosocial parameters in patients undergoing root canal therapy.Materials and Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted on 50 participants who underwent dental root canal therapy. The sample was divided into two groups: Yoga group (Group A; n = 25) who received YT and control group (Group B; n = 25) who were subjected to self-relaxation during dental procedure. The state of anxiety was measured by a 5-point single-item Likert scale and the cardiovascular (CV) parameters (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], heart rate [HR]) and CV indices (pulse pressure [PP], mean arterial pressure [MAP], rate-pressure product [RPP], and double product [DoP]) were derived and compared between both the groups.Results: The intergroup comparison showed statistically significant differences in anxiety score (P < 0.001), SBP (P < 0.001), MAP (P < 0.001), RPP (P < 0.001), DoP (P < 0.001), HR (P < 0.029), DBP (P < 0.003), and PP (P < 0.116).Conclusion: A significant reduction was recorded in terms of anxiety and primary and derived CV parameters in the yoga group. The YT can be adopted as an interventional tool for anxiety management in patients indicated for dental root canal therapy.

Pengetahuan Kriyā Yoga Sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Kesadaran Rohani

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Homo religios is a human dimension that tries to find the meaning of life in the spiritual dimension. The effort to uncover the veil of the truth of life in the spiritual dimension is through an activity called yoga. Kriyà yoga is a part of yoga that places more emphasis on controlling the flow of life force (prana) through a series of specific pranayama techniques to achieve union with cosmic consciousness (God). In learning kriyà yoga techniques, one should attend to a competent teacher in a devotional manner. A series of kriyà yoga techniques that emphasize certain pranayama techniques are used to cleanse and provide a maximum flow of life energy (prana) to the energy centers (chakras) and the brain contained in humans. When this flow of prana flows more and more to the spiritual organ it automatically promotes an increase in awareness in a yogi.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Body Temperature in Practitioners of a Yoga Breathing Technique Considered to be Heat Generating.

Context:Suryabheda pranayama is traditionally described as “increasing the inner fire” and is believed to be heat generating.Aims:The present study aimed at determining whether the surface body temperature would increase after Suryabheda pranayama practice compared with sitting quietly for the same duration as a control.Materials and Methods:Nineteen participants with experience of Suryabheda pranayama practice (group mean experience ± standard deviation, 30.2 ± 22.8 months) were assessed in 3 sessions on separate days. The sessions were (i) Suryabheda pranayama with physiological locks or breath retention, (ii) Suryabheda pranayama without physiological locks or breath retention, and (iii) quiet sitting (control session). The axillary surface body temperature was monitored in all three sessions before (5 min), during (15 min), and after (5 min) the intervention. Ambient temperature and humidity in the recording cabin used for testing were noted. From the ambient temperature and humidity, the heat index was derivedStatistical Analysis:Repeated measures analyses of variance were performed to compare values before, during, and after the 3 sessions, using SPSS version 24.0.Results:The surface body temperature increased during and after Suryabheda pranayama with physiological locks (P < 0.001; P < 0.001), Suryabheda pranayama without physiological locks (P < 0.01; P < 0.001), and quiet sitting (P < 0.001; P < 0.001) compared to the respective before values.Conclusion:The control (i.e., quiet sitting) and experimental sessions (i.e., suryabheda with locks and suryabheda without locks) showed a comparable increase in the surface body temperature. Hence, the increase in surface body temperature during and after experimental sessions does not appear to be related to the pranayama techniques. The possible factors which may have contributed to increased surface body temperature in the control and experimental sessions have been discussed.

Protocolo de entrenamiento vocal fonoaudiológico para cantantes - VOCALICAL -

El entrenamiento vocal es un campo que puede ser apoyado por profesiones con experticia y conocimiento en el tema de la voz, como la fonoaudiología. La presente investigación evidencia y describe el diseño de un protocolo de entrenamiento vocal fonoaudiológico basado en los principios de aprendizaje sensoriomotor con ejercicios de la técnica Alexander, la técnica Pranayama, el método Pilates y el tracto vocal semiocluido y su relación con: la propiocepción, el control respiratorio, el aumento de la capacidad pulmonar y la eficiencia fonatoria necesarios para lograr una economía vocal en pro del desempeño profesional del cantante. El protocolo fue validado en su contenido por 3 jueces expertas en el tema, quienes delimitaron que es pertinente, relevante, suficiente y coherente, en cuanto a la claridad se encontró que el protocolo debía mejorar algunos aspectos referidos a las imágenes de apoyo y claridad en las instrucciones (repeticiones y desarrollo), sugerencias que fueron tenidas en cuenta para realizar los respectivos ajustes. En conclusión, el entrenamiento vocal es un proceso extenso que requiere una gran disciplina por parte del estudiante, sin embargo, profesiones con la experticia y conocimiento en el campo de la voz como lo es la fonoaudiología, deben brindar herramientas para apoyar el trabajo de los profesionales de la voz previo a la aparición de patologías vocales.

A Research on the Impact of Yogasana and Pranayama Techniques on Players: A Review

A Research on the Impact of Yogasana and Pranayama Techniques on Players: A Review

Immediate benefits of “Om” chanting on blood pressure and pulse rate in uncomplicated moderate hypertensive subjects

Background: Chronic stress plays major role in the development of hypertension (HTN) in young-aged and middle-aged adults in the present scenario of fast lifestyle. Such patients can be treated better by stress reduction techniques such as yoga and meditation with or without medication as per individual case. People are aware of many pranayama and meditation techniques, but there is no standard and scientifically proven advice to the patients for reduction of blood pressure (B.P). Aims and Objectives: In our study, we have tried to study the immediate effect of 5 min Om chanting on heart rate and B.P in uncomplicated moderate hypertensives. Materials and Methods: The study group comprises 50 hypertensive subjects (male and female) between the age group of 40–60 years who were already on drugs but demonstrated poor control of B.P. Results: The significant reduction of 14/05 mmHg in B.P and 6 beats of pulse rate was observed immediately after 5 min of Om chanting. Conclusions: Hence, Om chanting can also be added as supportive therapy with drugs in mild or moderate cases of HTN. Om chanting can be suggested as daily practice at least for 5 min for the better control of B.P along with regular medication.

Cerebrovascular Hemodynamics During the Practice of Bhramari Pranayama, Kapalbhati and Bahir-Kumbhaka: An Exploratory Study.

Various pranayama techniques are known to produce different physiological effects. We evaluated the effect of three-different pranayama techniques on cerebrovascular hemodynamics. Eighteen healthy volunteers with the mean ± standard deviation age of 23.78 ± 2.96years were performed three-different pranayama techniques: (1) Bhramari, (2) Kapalbhati and (3) Bahir-Kumbhaka in three-different orders. Continuous transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring was performed before, during and after the pranayama techniques. TCD parameters such as peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity (EDV), mean flow velocity (MFV) and pulsatility index (PI) of right middle cerebral artery were recorded. Practice of Kapalbhati showed significant reductions in EDV and MFV with significant increase in PI while, Bahir-Kumbhaka showed significant increase in EDV and MFV with significant reduction in PI. However, no such significant changes were observed in Bhramari pranayama. Various types of pranayama techniques produce different cerebrovascular hemodynamic changes in healthy volunteers.