Neuroplasticity and the Breath
Improving Mental Well-Being at the Intersection of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga May 9, 2026 Ibnu Noufal Kambitta Valappil, Akshay Korol, Gavoutamane Vasanthi et al.
Pranayama, the Yogic practice of regulated breathing, is increasingly recognized for supporting mental and neurological health. This chapter reviews its effects on brain regions and networks, summarizing techniques and their physiological signatures. Evidence shows improvements in parasympathetic activation, heart rate variability, cortisol modulation, and emotional-cognitive regulation. The chapter discusses technology-supported breathwork, trauma-responsive approaches based on polyvagal theory, and individualized applications using autonomic profiling. It distinguishes established neural biomarkers from emerging claims of structural change, positioning Pranayama as an accessible, non-invasive, and personalized neuromodulatory tool.