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Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga

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Physiological and Therapeutic Effects of Pranayama and Yogic Breathing In Health and Disease: A Focused Update

Kumar Senthil P. , Kumar Senthil P. , Adhikari Prabha , Jeganathan , D’Souza Sydney C.

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Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga 6(3):p 105-114, July - September 2013. | DOI:

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Abstract

Background: Pranayama is the integral part of yoga which utilizes voluntary controlled breathing also termed as Yogic breathing. Objective: The objective of this review paper was to describe the role of pranayama in prevention and treatment of disease through its effects on various bodily systems. Methods: Systematic independent literature search of PubMed was done using keywords pranayama AND yogic breathing IN title by two testers. Consensus was achieved in presence of the third tester. The suitable citations were identified and selected studies were grouped under prevention and treatment of diseases for each bodily system. Results: The final list of 33 selected studies19 studies on its effects on various systems in healthy subjects (cardiovascular=8, metabolic=1, autonomic nervous system=4, central nervous system=5, psychological=1), and 14 studies on its efficacy in patients with various disorders (cardiovascular=2, immunological=1, metabolic=2, pulmonary=3, neurological=2, psychological=3, adverse events=1) which unanimously showed both shortterm and longterm benefits for pranayama and yogic breathing on all body systems in healthy and diseased subjects. Conclusion: From the reviewed evidence, it is recommended that Pranayama is effective in treatment of most disease conditions and could thus be a viable and affordable treatment option for both patients with diseases and for normal individuals towards health promotion and fitness. However, future large scale populationbased pragmatic clinical trials are needed to provide strong recommendations on its effectiveness. 

Key-words:Yoga; Pranayama; Alternate nostril breathing; Voluntary controlled breathing. 

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