PHYSIOLOGICAL PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF EFFECTS OF PRANAYAMPRANAYAM

Udupa KUdupa K11, , MadanmohanMadanmohan22, , Bhavanani ABBhavanani AB33

11Dept of Neurophysiology, NIMHANS, BangaloreDept of Neurophysiology, NIMHANS, Bangalore22Dept. of Physiology, JIPMER, PondicherryDept. of Physiology, JIPMER, Pondicherry

33Yoganjali Natyalayam and ICYER, PondicherryYoganjali Natyalayam and ICYER, Pondicherry

Pranayam: physiological Pranayam: physiological aspectsaspects

• Respiration: semi-voluntary actRespiration: semi-voluntary act• Pranayam: yogic breathing with Pranayam: yogic breathing with

regular pattern and awarenessregular pattern and awareness• Physiological effectsPhysiological effects• Benefits: systemic, domains..Benefits: systemic, domains..• Scientific studiesScientific studies

STUDIES ON PRANAYAMSTUDIES ON PRANAYAM• There is evidence that There is evidence that pranayampranayam training training

produces deep psychosomatic relaxation produces deep psychosomatic relaxation (Madanmohan et al, 1983) (Madanmohan et al, 1983)

• Pranayam known to improve cardio-respiratory Pranayam known to improve cardio-respiratory efficiency (Gopal et al, 1973)efficiency (Gopal et al, 1973)

• Chhina (1974) has reported that yogis are Chhina (1974) has reported that yogis are

capable of controlling their autonomic capable of controlling their autonomic functions. functions.

Effects of unilateral nostril breathing on Effects of unilateral nostril breathing on blood pressure and heart rate in right-handed blood pressure and heart rate in right-handed

healthy subjects.healthy subjects. Dane SDane S, , CaliskanCaliskan E E, , KarasenKarasen M M, , OztasanOztasan N N. Int J Neurosci. 2002 . Int J Neurosci. 2002

Jan;112(1):97-102 Jan;112(1):97-102

• The effects of unilateral forced nostril The effects of unilateral forced nostril breathing on SBP, DBP and HR were breathing on SBP, DBP and HR were studiedstudied

• The results suggested that there may be The results suggested that there may be a nostril laterality affecting the a nostril laterality affecting the autonomous nervous system autonomous nervous system differentiallydifferentially

Autonomic responses to breath holding and Autonomic responses to breath holding and its variations following pranayama. its variations following pranayama.

BhargavaBhargava R R, , GogateGogate MG MG, , MascarenhasMascarenhas JF JF.. IJPP 1988 Oct- IJPP 1988 Oct-Dec;32(4):257-64Dec;32(4):257-64

• Autonomic responses to breath holding Autonomic responses to breath holding were studiedwere studied

• Pranayama breathing exercises appear Pranayama breathing exercises appear to alter autonomic responses to breath to alter autonomic responses to breath holding probably by increasing vagal holding probably by increasing vagal tone and decreasing sympathetic tone and decreasing sympathetic dischargesdischarges

Modulation of intraocular pressure by Modulation of intraocular pressure by unilateral and forced unilateral nostril unilateral and forced unilateral nostril

breathing in young healthy human subjects. 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 To determine the effects of unilateral right/left nostril breathing and forced right/left nostril breathing and forced unilateral right/left nostril breathing on unilateral right/left nostril breathing on intraocular pressure intraocular pressure

• It is suggested that the lowering of IOP It is suggested that the lowering of IOP by URNB indicated sympathetic by URNB indicated sympathetic stimulation. stimulation.

The effects of unilateral forced nostril The effects of unilateral forced nostril breathing on the heart. breathing on the heart.

Shannahoff-Khalsa DS, Kennedy B. Int J Neurosci. 1993 Nov;73(1-Shannahoff-Khalsa DS, Kennedy B. Int J Neurosci. 1993 Nov;73(1-2):47-60 2):47-60

• Right UFNB increases heart rate (HR) Right UFNB increases heart rate (HR) compared to left. compared to left.

• Stroke volume was higher with left UFNB Stroke volume was higher with left UFNB compensating for lower HR. compensating for lower HR.

• Left UFNB significantly increased end Left UFNB significantly increased end diastolic volume diastolic volume

• These results demonstrate a unique These results demonstrate a unique unilateral effect on sympathetic unilateral effect on sympathetic stimulation of the heart that may have stimulation of the heart that may have therapeutic value.therapeutic value.

Breathing through a particular nostril can Breathing through a particular nostril can alter metabolism and autonomic activities.alter metabolism 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 O 37% increased O22 consumption. consumption.

• The 'alternate nostril' pranayama 18% increase The 'alternate nostril' pranayama 18% increase and the left nostril pranayama an increase of 24%. and the left nostril pranayama an increase of 24%.

• The 'left nostril Pranayama: an increase in volar The 'left nostril Pranayama: an increase in volar galvanic skin resistancegalvanic skin resistance reduction in reduction in sympathetic nervous system activitysympathetic nervous system activity

• These results suggest that breathing selectively These results suggest that breathing selectively through either nostril could have a marked through either nostril could have a marked activating effect or a relaxing effect on the activating effect or a relaxing effect on the sympathetic nervous system. sympathetic nervous system.

Pranayama increases grip strength without Pranayama increases grip strength without lateralized effectslateralized effects. .

RaghurajRaghuraj P P, , Nagarathna RNagarathna R, , Nagendra HRNagendra HR, , Telles STelles S. IJPP 1997 . IJPP 1997 Apr;41(2):129-33 Apr;41(2):129-33

• To study breathing through a particular To study breathing through a particular nostril has a lateralized effect on hand nostril has a lateralized effect on hand grip strength. grip strength.

• Yoga breathing through a particular Yoga breathing through a particular nostril, or through alternate nostrils nostril, or through alternate nostrils increases hand grip strength of both increases hand grip strength of both hands without lateralization.hands without lateralization.

Physiological measures of right nostril Physiological measures of right nostril breathing.breathing.

Telles S, Nagarathna R, Nagendra HRTelles S, Nagarathna R, Nagendra HR J Altern Complement Med. 1996 Winter;2(4):479-84 J Altern Complement Med. 1996 Winter;2(4):479-84

• To assess the physiological effects of surya To assess the physiological effects of surya anuloma viloma pranayama (SAV). anuloma viloma pranayama (SAV).

• After the SAV session there was an increase in After the SAV session there was an increase in oxygen consumption (17%) and in SBP (9.4 mm oxygen consumption (17%) and in SBP (9.4 mm Hg) and a significant decrease in digit pulse Hg) and a significant decrease in digit pulse volume (45.7%)volume (45.7%)

• These findings show that SAV has a These findings show that SAV has a sympathetic stimulating effect. sympathetic stimulating effect.

Effect of two selected yogic breathing Effect of two selected yogic breathing techniques of heart rate variability.techniques of heart rate variability.

RaghurajRaghuraj P P, , RamakrishnanRamakrishnan AG AG, , Nagendra HRNagendra HR, , Telles STelles S., IJPP 1998 ., IJPP 1998 Oct;42(4):467-72 Oct;42(4):467-72

• To study the HRV in two pranayam To study the HRV in two pranayam – kapalabhati (breathing at high frequency, kapalabhati (breathing at high frequency,

i.e., 2.0 Hz) i.e., 2.0 Hz) – nadisuddhi (alternate nostril breathing). nadisuddhi (alternate nostril breathing).

• The results suggest that kapalabhati The results suggest that kapalabhati modifies the autonomic status by modifies the autonomic status by increasing sympathetic activity with increasing sympathetic activity with reduced vagal activity. reduced vagal activity.

Comparison of effects of yoga & physical Comparison of effects of yoga & physical exercise in athletes.exercise in athletes.

RajuRaju PS PS, , MadhaviMadhavi S S, , Prasad KVPrasad KV, , Reddy MVReddy MV, , Reddy MEReddy ME, , SahaySahay BK BK, , Murthy KJ. Murthy KJ.

IJMR. 1994 Aug;100:81-6 IJMR. 1994 Aug;100:81-6

• The effect of pranayama a controlled The effect of pranayama a controlled breathing practice, on exercise tests was breathing practice, on exercise tests was studied studied

• In conclusion, the subjects who practised In conclusion, the subjects who practised pranayama could achieve higher work pranayama could achieve higher work rates with reduced Orates with reduced O22 consumption per consumption per unit work and without increase in blood unit work and without increase in blood lactate levels. lactate levels.

Oxygen consumption during pranayamic type Oxygen consumption during pranayamic type of very slow-rate breathing. of very slow-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 Ten healthy males with long standing experience in pranayama, experience in pranayama,

• short kumbhak pranayamic breathing short kumbhak pranayamic breathing increase (52%) in the Oincrease (52%) in the O22 consumption consumption & metabolic rate & metabolic rate

• long kumbhak pranayamic breathing long kumbhak pranayamic breathing lowering (19%) of the Olowering (19%) of the O22 consumption consumption & metabolic rate& metabolic rate

Effect of Effect of pranayampranayam training on cardiac training on cardiac

function in normal young function in normal young volunteers volunteers

Kaviraja Udupa, Madanmohan, Bhavanani Kaviraja Udupa, Madanmohan, Bhavanani AB, AB,

Vijayalakshmi P, Krishnamurthy N. Vijayalakshmi P, Krishnamurthy N. Indian journal of Physiology & PharmacologyIndian journal of Physiology & Pharmacology; 2003, 47: ; 2003, 47:

27-33.27-33.

METHODOLOGY & METHODOLOGY & PARAMETERSPARAMETERS

• 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 & after Recordings were taken before & after three months of training.three months of training.

METHODOLOGY: TRAINING METHODOLOGY: TRAINING SCHEDULESCHEDULE

Pranayama group was given training in Pranayama group was given training in • Mukh-bhastrikaMukh-bhastrika• NadishuddhiNadishuddhi• MahatyogaMahatyoga• PranavaPranava• Savitri pranayamasSavitri pranayamasPractice schedule: 20 minutes daily for 3 Practice schedule: 20 minutes daily for 3

monthsmonths

RESULTS & RESULTS & DISCUSSIONDISCUSSION

• Increase in QSIncrease in QS22, PEP, PEP/LVET & decrease in , PEP, PEP/LVET & decrease in LVET, QT/QSLVET, QT/QS22 following pranayama training following pranayama training decrease in adrenergic tonedecrease in adrenergic tone

• Increased RRIV & decreased basal HR Increased RRIV & decreased basal HR enhanced parasympathetic activityenhanced parasympathetic activity

• Pranayama training decreases load on the Pranayama training decreases load on the heart as suggested by decreased RPP. heart as suggested by decreased RPP.

• Thus yoga produces a “wakeful hypometabolic Thus yoga produces a “wakeful hypometabolic physiologic state” (Wallace et al, 1971)physiologic state” (Wallace et al, 1971)

Acute effect of mukh Acute effect of mukh bhastrika bhastrika

(a yogic bellows type (a yogic bellows type breathing) on reaction timebreathing) on reaction 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

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 peripheral nerve function

(Malhotra et al) as well as central processing (Malhotra et al) as well as central processing ((Madanmohan et al, Malathi et alMadanmohan et al, Malathi et al,Telles et al),Telles et al)

MMukh bhastrika:ukh bhastrika:yogic technique in which breath is blasted out in yogic technique in which breath is blasted out in multiple ‘whooshes’ with forced abdominal multiple ‘whooshes’ with forced abdominal contractions (Swami Gitananda).contractions (Swami Gitananda).

METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGY Subjects:Subjects:

22 schoolboys (13-16 yr) who had received 22 schoolboys (13-16 yr) who had received training in yoga for three monthstraining in yoga for three months

RT:RT:measured before and after performance of measured before and after performance of nine rounds of mukh bhastrika.nine rounds of mukh bhastrika.

RESULTSRESULTS

Both pre and post Both pre and post mukh bhastrika mukh bhastrika ART were ART were significantly (p < 0.001) shorter than the significantly (p < 0.001) shorter than the respective VRT.respective VRT.

Immediately after Immediately after mukh bhastrika:mukh bhastrika:• VRT decreased from 244.57 ± 5.86 ms to VRT decreased from 244.57 ± 5.86 ms to

228.15 ± 5.84 ms (p < 0.01).228.15 ± 5.84 ms (p < 0.01).• ART decreased from 198.82 ± 5.86 ms to ART decreased from 198.82 ± 5.86 ms to

179.58 ± 6.35 ms (p < 0.01).179.58 ± 6.35 ms (p < 0.01).

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 greater arousal and faster rate of

information processing information processing • improved concentration power and / or improved concentration power and / or • an ability to ignore or inhibit extraneous an ability to ignore or inhibit extraneous

stimuli.stimuli.

A comparative study of the A comparative study of the effects of slow and fast effects of slow and fast

pranayams on reaction time pranayams on reaction time and pulmonary function in and pulmonary function in normal young volunteersnormal young volunteers

Madanmohan, Kaviraja Udupa, Madanmohan, Kaviraja Udupa, AB Bhavanani, P Vijayalakshmi, A AB Bhavanani, P Vijayalakshmi, A

Surendiran. Surendiran. Indian journal of Physiology & PharmacologyIndian journal of Physiology & Pharmacology; 2005, 49: ; 2005, 49:

313-318.313-318.

EFFECTS OF SLOW & FAST EFFECTS 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 Significant increase: MIP MEP, BHT & 40 mm Hg

test.test.• Significant decrease: DP Significant decrease: DP

• Group II: Bhastrika (fast) pranayams (n=15 ) : Group II: Bhastrika (fast) pranayams (n=15 ) : • Significant increase: HR, RPP & double product Significant increase: HR, RPP & double product

(Do P).(Do P).• HR, RPP & Do P decreased (NS) in group I & HR, RPP & Do P decreased (NS) in group I &

increased (NS) in group IIincreased (NS) in group II• It is concluded that the physiological effects of slow & It is concluded that the physiological effects of slow &

fast pranayams are different.fast pranayams are different.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

• Pranayam training improves Pranayam training improves physiological parameters like RT, physiological parameters like RT, pulmonary functions, cardiac functions, pulmonary functions, cardiac functions, stress coping mechanisms, skeletal stress coping mechanisms, skeletal muscular endurance…muscular endurance…

• Pranayam helps a normal person to Pranayam helps a normal person to utilize his reserve potential effectivelyutilize his reserve potential effectively

• Hence, yogic life is essential to all…Hence, yogic life is essential to all…