Can Yogic Breathing Techniques Like Simha Kriya and Isha Kriya Regulate COVID-19-Related Stress?

Abstract

The global impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is tremendous on human life, not only affecting the physical and mental health of population but also impacting the economic system of countries and individual itself. The present situation demands prompt response toward COVID-19 by equipping the humans with strategies to overcome the infection and stress associated with it. These strategies must not only be limited to preventive and therapeutic measures, but also aim at improving immunity and mental health. This can be achieved by yogic breathing techniques. In this perspective, we emphasize the importance of yogic breathing, Simha Kriya and Isha kriya, the simple yet effective breathing techniques.

Online Isha Upa Yoga for student mental health and well‐being during COVID‐19: A randomized control trial

“…Alternatively, these outcomes may require more than 4 weeks of practice and particularly high levels of adherence (e.g., 5-7 days a week) (Tunuguntla et al, 2021). It is also possible that these outcomes require different types of yoga and meditation practices altogether; for example, Isha Kriya, which involves mental noting, breathwork, and yoga of sound, was found to stabilize mood disturbances among healthcare professionals (Rangasamy et al, 2019) and may regulate COVID-19 related stress (Rain et al, 2021). At the same time, the potential strengths of the intervention's current 4-week practice structure should be considered; the fact that the students experienced relief within a relatively short time frame suggests that this intervention may be especially suited to helping students manage common forms of short-term stress (e.g., preparing for final exams and dissertation defenses).…”

“Inner Engineering” for success—A complementary approach to positive education

“…Rangasamy et al (2019) found that a beginner's meditation called Isha Kriya meditation may improve mood among health professionals. Another beginner's practice called Simha Kriya showed feasibility and acceptance among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic (Narayanan et al, 2021) and may reduce COVID-19 related stress (Rain et al, 2021). A randomized control study showed that the IEO program, including the system of Upa Yoga, reduced stress among technology professionals (Upadhyay et al, 2022).…”

Effect of Yoga-based breathing practices on depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of COVID-19 positive hospitalized patients: A randomized controlled trial

“…Yoga-based breathing practices were found to help improve vagal tone and had a positive effect on mental health [ [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] ]. Yoga-based breathing practices had an impact on these practices in reducing the psychiatry manifestations [ 24 , 25 ]. Yoga-based breathing practices (Pranayama) are focused on breathing patterns, which promote mindfulness and mental health [ 26 , 27 ].…”