Neuroplasticity and the Breath
Ibnu Noufal Kambitta Valappil, Akshay Korol, Gavoutamane Vasanthi, Masilamani Elayaraja, Karuppasamy Govindasamy
Improving Mental Well-Being at the Intersection of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga May 9, 2026 DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-4187-3.ch003 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Pranayama |
| Topics | Neuroplasticity |
| Key findings | Pranayama improves parasympathetic activation, heart rate variability, cortisol modulation, and emotional-cognitive regulation, and is positioned as an accessible, non-invasive neuromodulatory tool. |
Abstract
Pranayama, the Yogic discipline of regulated breathing, has evolved from a spiritual practice into a scientifically recognized method for supporting mental and neurological health. This chapter examines its neuroplastic potential by outlining effects on major brain regions and networks, while summarizing key Pranayama techniques and their physiological signatures. Evidence indicates improvements in parasympathetic activation, heart rate variability, cortisol modulation, and emotional–cognitive regulation. Integrating recent advances in contemplative and clinical neuroscience, the chapter highlights technology-supported breathwork, trauma-responsive approaches informed by polyvagal theory, and individualized applications based on autonomic profiling. It also clarifies distinctions between established neural biomarkers and emerging theoretical claims of structural change. Overall, the chapter positions Pranayama as an accessible, non-invasive, and increasingly personalized neuromodulatory tool within the broader “Neuro-Yogic Paradigm.”