Pranayama a Neuro-Physiological Explanation of the Mechanism
V. Casikar
Journal of Yoga and Physiotherapy July 13, 2017 DOI: 10.19080/jyp.2017.02.555577 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Pranayama |
| Topics | Breathwork |
| Key points | Proposes that Pranayama breathing stimulates olfactory pathways connected to the hypothalamus, which regulates stress via serotonin receptors and the splanchnic pathway independently of the ACTH-cortisol feedback system. Disrupted breathing is argued to cause 'face locking' of olfactory signals, leading to disorganized hypothalamic input and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal dysfunction. |
Abstract
Yoga is an ancient Indian way of life which includes changes in mental attitude, diet and practice of specific techniques (Asanas), breathing practices (Pranayama) and medication to obtain highest level of consciousness. Pranayama or regulated breathing is considered as one of the essential aspects of Yoga. When a person breathes the olfactory nerves situated in the roof of the nose are stimulated. This is transferred onto the olfactory bulbs which are located at the base of the skull in the region of the cribriform plate. This olfactory bundle is connected to the median frontal bundle which is located in the midline in the front of the brain. This in turn is connected to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus regulates hormones. In any stress, the serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus through the splanchnic pathway regulates the stress. This mechanism is independent of ACTH-cortisol feedback system. When there is a disruption of the regular breathing there usually occurs a face locking of the olfactory signals and the hypothalamus does not receive appropriate signals. This face locking of the olfactory bulb causes disorganised information to the hypothalamus and there are consequences due to hypothalamus pituitary adrenal dysfunction.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on breathwork, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breathwork as a Therapeutic Modality: An Overview for Counselors | 2010 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Breathwork in body psychotherapy: Clinical applications | 2013 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Enhancement of inter-hemispheric brain waves synchronisation after Pranayama practice | 2011 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Relationship and Mechanism Underlying the Effect of Conscious Breathing on the Autonomic Nervous System and Brain Waves | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Holotropic Breathwork, Second Edition | 2023 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |