Yoga Breathing Techniques Research Articles

Take a Breath, Break The Silence: The Effects of Yogic Breathing and Testimony About Battering on Feelings of Self-Efficacy in Battered Women

Abuse in an intimate relationship is a common and devastating problem worldwide. This study explores the effects of testifying about one's abuse and learning Yogic breathing (prânâyâma) techniques on self-efficacy. Forty women, self-identified as abused within the last two years by an intimate partner, were randomly assigned to either tell the story of their abuse (testimony), participate in Yogic breathing exercises, participate in a combined testimony/Yogic breathing condition, or participate as waiting controls. Analyses showed that the combination of testimony and Yogic breathing was associated with the greatest improvement in self-efficacy scores. Implications of these findings for interventions and therapy for abused women are discussed.

Hemodynamic Observations on a Yogic Breathing Technique Claimed to Help Eliminate and Prevent Heart Attacks: A Pilot Study

Hemodynamic Observations on a Yogic Breathing Technique Claimed to Help Eliminate and Prevent Heart Attacks: A Pilot Study

Hemodynamic Observations on a Yogic Breathing Technique Claimed to Help Eliminate and Prevent Heart Attacks: A Pilot Study

This pilot study investigated the hemodynamics of a yogic breathing technique claimed "to help eliminate and prevent heart attacks due to abnormal electrical events to the heart," and to generally "enhance performance of the central nervous system (CNS) and to help eliminate the effects of traumatic shock and stress to the CNS." Parameters for (4) subjects were recorded during a preexercise resting period, a 31-minute exercise period, and a postexercise resting period. Parameters for subjects were recorded in a laboratory at the University of California, San Diego. Parameters for 3 males (ages 44, 45, 67) and 1 female (age 41) were recorded. One (1) subject (male age 45) had extensive training in this technique. This yogic technique is a 1 breath per minute (BPM) respiratory exercise with slow inspiration for 20 seconds, breath retention for 20 seconds, and slow expiration for 20 seconds, for 31 consecutive minutes. Fourteen beat-to-beat parameters were measured noninvasively and calculated for body surface area to yield: stroke index (SI), heart rate (HR), cardiac index, end diastolic index, peak flow, ejection fraction, thoracic fluid index, index of contractility, ejection ratio, systolic time ratio, acceleration index, and systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (MAPs). Left stroke work index (LSWI) and stroke systemic vascular resistance index (SSVRI) were calculated. We report on SI, HR, MAP, LSWI, and SSVRI and how they can help to describe hemodynamicstate changes. This technique induces dramatic shifts in all hemodynamic variables during the 1 BPM exercise and can produce unique changes in the postexercise resting period after long-term practice that appears to have a unique effect on the brain stem cardiorespiratory center regulating the Mayer wave (0.1-0.01 Hz) patterns of the cardiovascular system. Preclinical studies are warranted to examine the possible long-term effects of this technique that appear to reset a cardiorespiratory brain-stem pacemaker. We postulate that this effect may be the basis for the purported yogic health claim.

Kapalabhati Pranayama: Breath of Fire or Cause of Pneumothorax?: A Case Report

Spontaneous pneumothorax is the most common cause of pneumothorax. We report a case of a 29-year-old healthy woman who presented to the emergency department with a spontaneous pneumothorax caused by a yoga breathing technique called Kapalabhati pranayama, or breath of fire. Yoga breathing exercises are commonly practiced, and a limited number of studies have shown various physiologic benefits of yoga breathing. This is the only known report of spontaneous pneumothorax caused by pranayama, but some other rare causes are noted. This case should illustrate that adverse side effects can occur when one pushes the body to physiologic extremes.

Spiritual Leader to Guide Psychiatrists From the Head to the Heart

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Annual MeetingFull AccessSpiritual Leader to Guide Psychiatrists From the Head to the HeartPhilip Muskin, M.D.Philip MuskinSearch for more papers by this author, M.D.Published Online:19 Mar 2004https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.39.6.0036Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a renowned spiritual leader, will be the 2004 International Lecturer at APA’s 2004 annual meeting this year in New York City. He is the founder of the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) and the Art of Living Foundation.In his lecture, “Psychiatry and Spirituality: A Holistic Approach,” Shankar will discuss the introduction of unique applications of the mind/body/spirit concept and how these concepts are used for the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, violence, and stress-related disorders.The lecture will be held Monday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Javits Convention Center.Shankar has promoted religious tolerance, peace, and innovative social programs in his numerous public addresses including the United Nations World Peace Summit (2000), for which he was the keynote speaker; the World Economic Forum (2000, 2002); and the United Nations Conference on Racism and Discrimination (South Africa, 2001).Research has shown that the special yoga breathing techniques and teachings of the Art of Living courses effectively relieve stress and increase energy, awareness, mental focus, and sense of belonging. The effects have been demonstrated in a wide range of populations including health care practitioners; individuals with psychiatric and medical conditions; children and adolescents; prison inmates and staff; juvenile offenders; and victims of natural disasters, poverty, violence, war, and terrorism.Art of Living courses and IAHV humanitarian relief programs in more than 100 countries have improved the lives of millions of individuals by sending volunteers, teachers, and medical staff to provide trauma relief and promote nonviolent conflict resolution in many. A partial list of the areas served includes Serbia, Croatia, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Africa, South America, the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Far East, United States, Australia, and Canada.Sri Sri Ravi Shankar reminds us to journey from the head back to the heart as we care for our patients, our local communities, and our world community. ▪Philip Muskin, M.D., is a member of APA’s Scientific Program Committee. ISSUES NewArchived

Effect of yoga-based and forced uninostril breathing on the autonomic nervous system.

Some reports have described the effects of forced uninostril breathing on autonomic activity as sex-specific, while other reports described selective effects of breathing through a specific nostril on the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system, irrespective of sex. There are also yoga breathing techniques which involve voluntary uninostril breathing. These techniques also influenced the autonomic activity based on the patent nostril rather than sex. These descriptions were in line with experiential observations of the ancient sages described in classical yoga texts. This paper summarizes these perspectives on uninostril breathing.

Yoga Breathing Techniques (YBT) in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):A Preliminary Study

Yoga Breathing techniques (YBT) have been in vogue as an adjunct treatment in the management of asthma. The current study was done to determine the value of YBT in patients with COPD. Eleven patients (6 male, 5 female) in the age range 61–82 years (mean age 72) with an established diagnosis of COPD volunteered to participate in the study. Written consents were obtained prior to start of the study. All subjects were taught the YBT and relaxation techniques by a senior Yoga teacher. The procedure for YBT used in this group was modified to accommodate the limited physical capabilities of the participants due to their age as well as the severity of their COPD. The techniques involved breathing exercises with hand stretching, guided relaxation,sectional breathing, and meditation. All the participants received recorded audiotapes so that they could practice these techniques at home for a period of one week prior to the study. All the subjects were on continuous supplemental oxygen 1–3 liters per minute via nasal prongs. On the study day, baseline vital signs (blood pressure,pulse rate) were taken, a physical examination was done, and spirometry and oximetry were performed and readings recorded. The supplemental oxygen supply was stopped and subjects were asked to perform the YBT off oxygen. The subjects were closely watched and supervised by the Yoga teacher, as well as by the principal physician investigator, during this procedure. Continuous oximetry readings were taken and readings were recorded at baseline, 10 minutes, and 20 minutes during the performance of the YBT. Pre- and post-Yoga spirometry also was performed and recorded. All the subjects were requested to write down their impressions of the effect of YBT. Results: Oxygen saturation dropped to an average value of 87% (range: 82%–92%) immediately after the oxygen supply was discontinued. The oximetry values rose at 10 minutes to 92% and at 20 minutes to 94% during theYBT session on room air alone (without the use of supplemental oxygen). Ten out of 11 subjects felt subjectively better and relaxed overall. One subject could not tolerate being off oxygen, but still felt better subjectively during YBT. Spirometry values before and after YBT did not show any significant change. Conclusion:YBT seems to offer some benefit to patients with COPD and emphysema.

Yoga Breathing Techniques (YBTs) in Exercise Induced Asthma: A Pilot Study

Yoga Breathing Techniques (YBTs) have been claimed to be beneficial in patients with asthma during acute bronchospasm. This study was undertaken to verify this claim under controlled conditions using objective data. Six adult asthmatics (4 female, 2 male) in the age range of 23 to 48 years (mean age 34 years) volunteered to participate in this study. All the volunteers were taught YBT by a senior Yoga instructor over 2 sessions and were instructed to practice these sessions daily with the help of a prerecorded guiding tape over a period of 2 weeks. Subjects acted as their own controls. During the "control day," their baseline vital signs were measured, including pulse rate (PR), blood pressure (BP), peak flow measurements(PEFR), and spirometry (PFT). They all then underwent exercise testing by climbing up and down 14 steps indoors with controlled temperature and humidity. Serial PFT, BP, and PR were measured and recorded at 1 minute, 7 minutes, and 15 minutes post exercise. On the"control day," subjects sat on a chair resting after exercise. They were treated by bronchodilator aerosol if their PFT dropped 30% or more from their baseline values or if they complained of increasing difficulty in breathing during that period. On the "Yoga day," subjects underwent similar baseline studies as well as exercise testing as outlined above, and all the subjects were requested to perform the YBT immediately after they had completed their exercise test. A drop of 20% in FEV1 (one of the PFT parameters measured) was considered as being consistent with exercise induced bronchospasm (EIB). Three out of 6 subjects on the "control day" needed bronchodilator nebulizer treatments to relieve their EIB,whereas only 1 out of 6 subjects on the "Yoga day"needed a nebulizer treatment. The average time for the PFT to return to baseline from the post-exercise drop was shorter (18 mins. vs. 24 mins.) on the "Yoga day"compared to the "control day." Five out of 6 subjects subjectively felt better after the YBT compared to none on the "control day." Conclusion: Yoga Breathing techniques can be useful in relieving mild attacks of asthma.

EFFECT OF YOGA-BASED AND FORCED UNINOSTRIL BREATHING ON THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

Some reports have described the effects of forced uninostril breathing on autonomic activity as sex-specific, while other reports described selective effects of breathing through a specific nostril on the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system, irrespective of sex. There are also yoga breathing techniques which involve voluntary uninostril breathing. These techniques also influenced the autonomic activity based on the patent nostril rather than sex. These descriptions were in line with experiential observations of the ancient sages described in classical yoga texts. This paper summarizes these perspectives on uninostril breathing.

The effects of unilateral forced nostril breathing on cognitive performance.

This study describes the effects of 30 minutes of unilateral forced nostril breathing on cognitive performance in 51 right-handed undergraduate psychology students (25 males and 26 females). A verbal analogies task modeled after the Miller Analogies and SAT Tests was used as a test of left-hemispheric performance and mental rotation tasks based on the Vandenburg and Kuse adaptation of Shepard and Metzler's tests were used as spatial tasks for testing right-hemispheric performance. Spatial task performance was significantly enhanced during left nostril breathing in both males and females, p = .028. Verbal task performance was greater during right nostril breathing, but not significantly p = .14. These results are discussed in comparison to other cognitive and physiological studies using unilateral forced nostril breathing. This yogic breathing technique may have useful application in treating psychophysiological disorders with hemispheric imbalances and disorders with autonomic abnormalities.

Patterns of sympathetic neuron activity associated with Mayer waves.

Patterns of sympathetic neuron activity associated with Mayer waves.

Le soufisme New Age des salles de yoga

In trendy yoga studios, a new type of Sufism practice is flourishing in Egypt, that we can call New Age Sufism. It’s merging traditional Sufi practices as ḏikr, with Zen meditation and yoga breathing techniques. People who attend this kind of sessions are more or less highly ranked; they are looking for another way to reach serenity and inner peace, to avoid post-revolution stress.This paper aims to analyse this kind of practice by first describing a Sufi meditation session, in order to explain how it creates a new type of Sufism New Age, more universal and not linked to a religion in particular. Then, it sheds light on the target group this neo-Sufism is attracting and the reasons behind these practises. At the end, the paper emphasises other related aspects of this phenomenon in the cultural field.