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Effect of Pranayama on Human Body and Mind

Priya Kumari, Saroj Adittya Rajesh, K Rama Chandra Reddy

International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine December 15, 2024 DOI: 10.47552/ijam.v15is1.5574 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Peer reviewed
Intervention Pranayama
Topics Breathwork
Key points Proposes that pranayama, through breath regulation, improves physical and mental health by influencing the autonomic nervous system and reducing stress responses.

Abstract

A branch of yoga called pranayama is very helpful to people in maintaining good physical and mental health. As prana is the definition of life or energy, practicing asana entails controlling the flow of prana through the body. All aspects of breathing, including inspiration, expiration, and retention, are regulated in part by pranayama. One of the yogic practices for healthy people is pranayama, which can elicit a variety of physiological reactions for breathing exercises, stress reduction, relaxation, and control of psychophysiological conditions. Pranayama controls lung motion, which in turn controls the heart and vagus nerve. As a result, pranayama is closely related to the autonomic nervous system and uses breathing patterns and lung and diaphragm movements to bring its functions under conscious control. In disciplines like yoga and meditation, pranayama refers to the regulation and control of breath, also referred to as the life force. Numerous health advantages have been linked to it, such as enhancements in brain activity, heart function, blood oxygenation, and lung function. Different breathing techniques and habits can have a substantial impact on the autonomic nervous system, which can decrease negative reactions to stressors.