Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects both physical and mental health, with symptoms like dyspnea worsening anxiety and vice versa. This study tested Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a breathwork meditation program, in nine individuals with varying COPD severity. Using single-case multiple-baseline and qualitative methods, it found SKY feasible and acceptable. Results suggest SKY can alleviate aspects of COPD burden related to mind, body, and breath, and reduce the cyclical effect of disease sequelae. Larger trials are needed, but this is the first evidence supporting SKY as a viable complementary approach for COPD.
A brief breathwork meditation program (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) improved well-being among speech-language pathology trainees. After a 9-hour online program, participants showed significant reductions in stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, negative emotion, and loneliness, along with improvements in meaning and overall wellness. These benefits remained after statistical adjustments for multiple comparisons. The findings suggest that such a program can equip future health professionals with self-care tools to manage stress.
A virtual breathwork meditation program called Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) improved overall wellness in 42 counselors-in-training. Participants showed significant gains in overall wellness and in the sub-domains of Creative Self, Coping Self, and Essential Self immediately after the program and at a one-month follow-up.