A Scientific Study: Regulation of Autonomic Nervous System through Slow Breath Pranayama

Abstract

Voluntary slow deep breathing functionally resets autonomic nervous system through stretch induced inhibitory signals and hyper-polarization currents that propagate through both, neural and non-neural tissue. The scientific basis of benefits of practicing slow Pranayama, especially alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama as NSP) and Dhyana is regulation of cerebral dominance and shifting of autonomic nervous system. This regulation occurs via Nadis under control of Agya Chakra. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of Yoga practices (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama and Dhyana) Yoga practices (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama and Dhyana on Agya Chakra) on Agya Chakra by symptomatic scale of migraine and essential hypertension through GSR measuring scale. For this, total 150 cases were selected and divided in three groups: (1) Healthy individuals, (2) Migraine and (3) Essential hypertension, 50 cases in each. Further, each group was divided in two sub groups: (i) Control and (ii) Intervention. Yogic practices were advised in all subgroups; beside this, in very low dose, medication also given to intervention subgroups of 2nd and 3rd groups. GSR of all three groups were analysed before and after each follow up (three follows up done). In all three groups, excellent improvement was recorded. Better progress was recorded in intervention subgroups than control in symptoms of psychological exertional due to over stress and anxiety. Observations were found statistically significant (p<0.001). So, it could be concluded that Yoga practices affecting the psycho physiological activities via the Agya Chakra (hypothalamo-cerebral system), improve quality of life either in healthy individual and diseased.

Keywords: Pranayama, Dhyana, Autonomic Nervous System, Agya Chakra, Nadi

Cite this Article

Pradeep Kumar Pal, Mishra VN, Awasthi HH. A Scientific Study: Regulation of Autonomic Nervous System through Slow Breath Pranayama. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2016; 5(3): 23–28p.