Physiologic effects of pranayama

1. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTSPHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
OF PRANAYAMOF PRANAYAM
Udupa KUdupa K11
,, MadanmohanMadanmohan22
, Bhavanani AB, Bhavanani AB33
11
Dept of Neurophysiology, NIMHANS, BangaloreDept of Neurophysiology, NIMHANS, Bangalore
22
Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER, PondicherryDept. of Physiology, JIPMER, Pondicherry
33
Yoganjali Natyalayam and ICYER, PondicherryYoganjali Natyalayam and ICYER, Pondicherry

2. Pranayam: physiological aspectsPranayam: physiological aspects
• Respiration: semi-voluntary actRespiration: semi-voluntary act
• Pranayam: yogic breathing with regular patternPranayam: yogic breathing with regular pattern
and awarenessand awareness
• Physiological effectsPhysiological effects
• Benefits: systemic, domains..Benefits: systemic, domains..
• Scientific studiesScientific studies

3. STUDIES ON PRANAYAMSTUDIES ON PRANAYAM
• There is evidence thatThere is evidence that pranayampranayam training produces deeptraining produces deep
psychosomatic relaxation (Madanmohan et al, 1983)psychosomatic relaxation (Madanmohan et al, 1983)
• Pranayam known to improve cardio-respiratory efficiencyPranayam known to improve cardio-respiratory efficiency
(Gopal et al, 1973)(Gopal et al, 1973)
• Chhina (1974) has reported that yogis are capable ofChhina (1974) has reported that yogis are capable of
controlling their autonomic functions.controlling their autonomic functions.

4. Effects of unilateral nostril breathing on blood pressure andEffects of unilateral nostril breathing on blood pressure and
heart rate in right-handed healthy subjects.heart rate in right-handed healthy subjects.
Dane SDane S,, CaliskanCaliskan EE,, KarasenKarasen MM,, OztasanOztasan NN. Int J Neurosci. 2002 Jan;112(1):97-102. Int J Neurosci. 2002 Jan;112(1):97-102
• The effects of unilateral forced nostril breathing onThe effects of unilateral forced nostril breathing on
SBP, DBP and HR were studiedSBP, DBP and HR were studied
• The results suggested that there may be a nostrilThe results suggested that there may be a nostril
laterality affecting the autonomous nervous systemlaterality affecting the autonomous nervous system
differentiallydifferentially

5. Autonomic responses to breath holding and its variationsAutonomic responses to breath holding and its variations
following pranayama.following pranayama.
BhargavaBhargava RR,, GogateGogate MGMG,, MascarenhasMascarenhas JFJF.. IJPP 1988 Oct-Dec;32(4):257-64IJPP 1988 Oct-Dec;32(4):257-64
• Autonomic responses to breath holding were studiedAutonomic responses to breath holding were studied
• Pranayama breathing exercises appear to alterPranayama breathing exercises appear to alter
autonomic responses to breath holding probably byautonomic responses to breath holding probably by
increasing vagal tone and decreasing sympatheticincreasing vagal tone and decreasing sympathetic
dischargesdischarges

6. Modulation of intraocular pressure by unilateral and forcedModulation of intraocular pressure by unilateral and forced
unilateral nostril breathing in young healthy human subjects.unilateral nostril breathing in young healthy human subjects.
Mohan SMMohan SM,, Reddy SCReddy SC,, Wei LYWei LY, Int Ophthalmol. 2001;24(6):305-11., Int Ophthalmol. 2001;24(6):305-11.
• To determine the effects of unilateral right/left nostrilTo determine the effects of unilateral right/left nostril
breathing and forced unilateral right/left nostrilbreathing and forced unilateral right/left nostril
breathing on intraocular pressurebreathing on intraocular pressure
• It is suggested that the lowering of IOP by URNBIt is suggested that the lowering of IOP by URNB
indicated sympathetic stimulation.indicated sympathetic stimulation.

7. The effects of unilateral forced nostril breathing on theThe effects of unilateral forced nostril breathing on the
heart.heart.
Shannahoff-Khalsa DS, Kennedy B. Int J Neurosci. 1993 Nov;73(1-2):47-60Shannahoff-Khalsa DS, Kennedy B. Int J Neurosci. 1993 Nov;73(1-2):47-60
• Right UFNB increases heart rate (HR) compared toRight UFNB increases heart rate (HR) compared to
left.left.
• Stroke volume was higher with left UFNBStroke volume was higher with left UFNB
compensating for lower HR.compensating for lower HR.
• Left UFNB significantly increased end diastolicLeft UFNB significantly increased end diastolic
volumevolume
• These results demonstrate a unique unilateral effect onThese results demonstrate a unique unilateral effect on
sympathetic stimulation of the heart that may havesympathetic stimulation of the heart that may have
therapeutic value.therapeutic value.

8. Breathing through a particular nostril can alter metabolismBreathing through a particular nostril can alter metabolism
and autonomic activities.and autonomic activities.
Telles S, Nagarathna R, Nagendra HR, IJPP. 1994;38(2):133-7.Telles S, Nagarathna R, Nagendra HR, IJPP. 1994;38(2):133-7.
• The right nostril pranayamaThe right nostril pranayama 37% increased O37% increased O22
consumption.consumption.
• The 'alternate nostril' pranayama 18% increase and the leftThe 'alternate nostril' pranayama 18% increase and the left
nostril pranayama an increase of 24%.nostril pranayama an increase of 24%.
• The 'left nostril Pranayama: an increase in volar galvanic skinThe 'left nostril Pranayama: an increase in volar galvanic skin
resistanceresistance reduction in sympathetic nervous system activityreduction in sympathetic nervous system activity
• These results suggest that breathing selectively through eitherThese results suggest that breathing selectively through either
nostril could have a marked activating effect or a relaxingnostril could have a marked activating effect or a relaxing
effect on the sympathetic nervous system.effect on the sympathetic nervous system.

9. Pranayama increases grip strength without lateralizedPranayama increases grip strength without lateralized
effectseffects..
RaghurajRaghuraj PP,, Nagarathna RNagarathna R,, Nagendra HRNagendra HR,, Telles STelles S. IJPP 1997 Apr;41(2):129-33. IJPP 1997 Apr;41(2):129-33
• To study breathing through a particular nostril has aTo study breathing through a particular nostril has a
lateralized effect on hand grip strength.lateralized effect on hand grip strength.
• Yoga breathing through a particular nostril, or throughYoga breathing through a particular nostril, or through
alternate nostrils increases hand grip strength of bothalternate nostrils increases hand grip strength of both
hands without lateralization.hands without lateralization.

10. Physiological measures of right nostril breathing.Physiological measures of right nostril breathing.
Telles S, Nagarathna R, Nagendra HRTelles S, Nagarathna R, Nagendra HR
J Altern Complement Med. 1996 Winter;2(4):479-84J Altern Complement Med. 1996 Winter;2(4):479-84
• To assess the physiological effects of surya anuloma vilomaTo assess the physiological effects of surya anuloma viloma
pranayama (SAV).pranayama (SAV).
• After the SAV session there was an increase in oxygenAfter the SAV session there was an increase in oxygen
consumption (17%) and in SBP (9.4 mm Hg) and a significantconsumption (17%) and in SBP (9.4 mm Hg) and a significant
decrease in digit pulse volume (45.7%)decrease in digit pulse volume (45.7%)
• These findings show that SAV has a sympathetic stimulatingThese findings show that SAV has a sympathetic stimulating
effect.effect.

11. Effect of two selected yogic breathing techniques of heartEffect of two selected yogic breathing techniques of heart
rate variability.rate variability.
RaghurajRaghuraj PP,, RamakrishnanRamakrishnan AGAG,, Nagendra HRNagendra HR,, Telles STelles S., IJPP 1998 Oct;42(4):467-72., IJPP 1998 Oct;42(4):467-72
• To study the HRV in two pranayamTo study the HRV in two pranayam
– kapalabhati (breathing at high frequency, i.e., 2.0 Hz)kapalabhati (breathing at high frequency, i.e., 2.0 Hz)
– nadisuddhi (alternate nostril breathing).nadisuddhi (alternate nostril breathing).
• The results suggest that kapalabhati modifies theThe results suggest that kapalabhati modifies the
autonomic status by increasing sympathetic activityautonomic status by increasing sympathetic activity
with reduced vagal activity.with reduced vagal activity.

12. Comparison of effects of yoga & physical exercise inComparison of effects of yoga & physical exercise in
athletes.athletes.
RajuRaju PSPS,, MadhaviMadhavi SS,, Prasad KVPrasad KV,, Reddy MVReddy MV,, Reddy MEReddy ME,, SahaySahay BKBK, Murthy KJ., Murthy KJ.
IJMR. 1994 Aug;100:81-6IJMR. 1994 Aug;100:81-6
• The effect of pranayama a controlled breathingThe effect of pranayama a controlled breathing
practice, on exercise tests was studiedpractice, on exercise tests was studied
• In conclusion, the subjects who practised pranayamaIn conclusion, the subjects who practised pranayama
could achieve higher work rates with reduced Ocould achieve higher work rates with reduced O22
consumption per unit work and without increase inconsumption per unit work and without increase in
blood lactate levels.blood lactate levels.

13. Oxygen consumption during pranayamic type of very slow-Oxygen consumption during pranayamic type of very slow-
rate breathing.rate breathing.
Telles S, Desiraju T.Indian J Med Res. 1991 Oct;94:357-63.Telles S, Desiraju T.Indian J Med Res. 1991 Oct;94:357-63.
• Ten healthy males with long standing experience inTen healthy males with long standing experience in
pranayama,pranayama,
• short kumbhak pranayamic breathingshort kumbhak pranayamic breathing
 increase (52%) in the Oincrease (52%) in the O22 consumption & metabolicconsumption & metabolic
raterate
• long kumbhak pranayamic breathinglong kumbhak pranayamic breathing
 lowering (19%) of the Olowering (19%) of the O22 consumption &consumption &
metabolic ratemetabolic rate

14. Effect ofEffect of pranayampranayam training ontraining on
cardiac function in normal youngcardiac function in normal young
volunteersvolunteers
Kaviraja Udupa, Madanmohan, Bhavanani AB,Kaviraja Udupa, Madanmohan, Bhavanani AB,
Vijayalakshmi P, Krishnamurthy N.Vijayalakshmi P, Krishnamurthy N.
Indian journal of Physiology & PharmacologyIndian journal of Physiology & Pharmacology; 2003, 47: 27-33.; 2003, 47: 27-33.

15. METHODOLOGY & PARAMETERSMETHODOLOGY & PARAMETERS
• Heart rateHeart rate
• Blood pressureBlood pressure
• STI : QSSTI : QS22, LVET, PEP, PEP/LVET, LVET, PEP, PEP/LVET
• STI Indices: QSSTI Indices: QS22I, LVETI, PEPII, LVETI, PEPI
• AFT: RRIV, QT/QSAFT: RRIV, QT/QS22
• EF = 1.125 - 1.25 x (PEP/LVET)EF = 1.125 - 1.25 x (PEP/LVET)
Recordings were taken before & afterRecordings were taken before & after
three months of training.three months of training.

16. METHODOLOGY: TRAININGMETHODOLOGY: TRAINING
SCHEDULESCHEDULE
Pranayama group was given training inPranayama group was given training in
• Mukh-bhastrikaMukh-bhastrika
• NadishuddhiNadishuddhi
• MahatyogaMahatyoga
• PranavaPranava
• Savitri pranayamasSavitri pranayamas
Practice schedule: 20 minutes daily for 3 monthsPractice schedule: 20 minutes daily for 3 months

17. RESULTS & DISCUSSIONRESULTS & DISCUSSION
• Increase in QSIncrease in QS22, PEP, PEP/LVET & decrease in LVET,, PEP, PEP/LVET & decrease in LVET,
QT/QSQT/QS22 following pranayama trainingfollowing pranayama training
 decrease in adrenergic tonedecrease in adrenergic tone
• Increased RRIV & decreased basal HRIncreased RRIV & decreased basal HR  enhancedenhanced
parasympathetic activityparasympathetic activity
• Pranayama training decreases load on the heart as suggestedPranayama training decreases load on the heart as suggested
by decreased RPP.by decreased RPP.
• Thus yoga produces a “wakeful hypometabolic physiologicThus yoga produces a “wakeful hypometabolic physiologic
state” (Wallace et al, 1971)state” (Wallace et al, 1971)

18. Acute effect of mukh bhastrikaAcute effect of mukh bhastrika
(a yogic bellows type breathing) on(a yogic bellows type breathing) on
reaction timereaction time
Bhavanani AB, Madanmohan, Kaviraja Udupa.Bhavanani AB, Madanmohan, Kaviraja Udupa.
Indian journal of Physiology & PharmacologyIndian journal of Physiology & Pharmacology; 2003, 47:297-300; 2003, 47:297-300

19. INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
 Reaction time (RT):Reaction time (RT):
• indirect index of processing ability of CNS &indirect index of processing ability of CNS & cortical arousalcortical arousal
 Yoga training:Yoga training:
• significantly improvessignificantly improves peripheral nerve function (Malhotra et al)peripheral nerve function (Malhotra et al)
as well as central processing (as well as central processing (Madanmohan et al, Malathi etMadanmohan et al, Malathi et
alal,Telles et al),Telles et al)
 MMukh bhastrika:ukh bhastrika:
yogic technique in which breath is blasted out in multipleyogic technique in which breath is blasted out in multiple
‘whooshes’ with forced abdominal contractions (Swami‘whooshes’ with forced abdominal contractions (Swami
Gitananda).Gitananda).

20. METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGY
 Subjects:Subjects:
22 schoolboys (13-16 yr) who had received training in yoga22 schoolboys (13-16 yr) who had received training in yoga
for three monthsfor three months
 RT:RT:
measured before and after performance of nine rounds ofmeasured before and after performance of nine rounds of
mukh bhastrika.mukh bhastrika.

21. RESULTSRESULTS
 Both pre and postBoth pre and post mukh bhastrikamukh bhastrika ART were significantly (p <ART were significantly (p <
0.001) shorter than the respective VRT.0.001) shorter than the respective VRT.
 Immediately afterImmediately after mukh bhastrika:mukh bhastrika:
• VRT decreased from 244.57 ± 5.86 ms to 228.15 ± 5.84VRT decreased from 244.57 ± 5.86 ms to 228.15 ± 5.84
ms (p < 0.01).ms (p < 0.01).
• ART decreased from 198.82 ± 5.86 ms to 179.58 ± 6.35ART decreased from 198.82 ± 5.86 ms to 179.58 ± 6.35
ms (p < 0.01).ms (p < 0.01).

22. DISCUSSIONDISCUSSION
 Mukh bhastrika enhances:Mukh bhastrika enhances:
• central processing andcentral processing and
• sensori-motor performancesensori-motor performance
 May be due to:May be due to:
• greater arousal and faster rate of information processinggreater arousal and faster rate of information processing
• improved concentration power and / orimproved concentration power and / or
• an ability to ignore or inhibit extraneous stimuli.an ability to ignore or inhibit extraneous stimuli.

23. A comparative study of the effects ofA comparative study of the effects of
slow and fast pranayams on reactionslow and fast pranayams on reaction
time and pulmonary function intime and pulmonary function in
normal young volunteersnormal young volunteers
Madanmohan, Kaviraja Udupa,Madanmohan, Kaviraja Udupa,
AB Bhavanani, P Vijayalakshmi, A Surendiran.AB Bhavanani, P Vijayalakshmi, A Surendiran.
Indian journal of Physiology & PharmacologyIndian journal of Physiology & Pharmacology; 2005, 49: 313-318.; 2005, 49: 313-318.

24. EFFECTS OF SLOW & FASTEFFECTS OF SLOW & FAST
PRANAYAMSPRANAYAMS
• Group I: Savitri (slow) pranayams (n=15) :Group I: Savitri (slow) pranayams (n=15) :
• Significant increase: MIP MEP, BHT & 40 mm Hg test.Significant increase: MIP MEP, BHT & 40 mm Hg test.
• Significant decrease: DPSignificant decrease: DP
• Group II: Bhastrika (fast) pranayams (n=15 ) :Group II: Bhastrika (fast) pranayams (n=15 ) :
• Significant increase: HR, RPP & double product (Do P).Significant increase: HR, RPP & double product (Do P).
• HR, RPP & Do P decreased (NS) in group I & increased (NS)HR, RPP & Do P decreased (NS) in group I & increased (NS)
in group IIin group II
• It is concluded that the physiological effects of slow & fastIt is concluded that the physiological effects of slow & fast
pranayams are different.pranayams are different.

25. CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
• Pranayam training improves physiological parametersPranayam training improves physiological parameters
like RT, pulmonary functions, cardiac functions, stresslike RT, pulmonary functions, cardiac functions, stress
coping mechanisms, skeletal muscular endurance…coping mechanisms, skeletal muscular endurance…
• Pranayam helps a normal person to utilize his reservePranayam helps a normal person to utilize his reserve
potential effectivelypotential effectively
• Hence, yogic life is essential to all…Hence, yogic life is essential to all…