Immediate Effect of Slow PaceBhastrika Pranayamaon Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Abstract

Vagal cardiac and pulmonary mechanisms are linked, and improvement in one vagal limb might spill over into the other. Baroreceptor sensitivity can be enhanced significantly by slow breathing (supported by a small reduction in the heart rate observed during slow breathing and by reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure). Slow pace bhastrika pranayama (respiratory rate 6/min) exercise thus shows a strong tendency to improving the autonomic nervous system through enhanced activation of the parasympathetic system.

Widespread depolarization during expiration: A source of respiratory drive?

“…Studies of the cardiovascular system, the peripheral nervous system, and the central nervous system provide evidence that respiratory patterns can exert a significant and immediate influence on a wide range of bodily functions, including changes in blood pressure and sympathovagal balance. Patterned respiration can regulate blood pressure and heart rate [1], as well as regulate rhythmic centers of the brain that control cardiovascular output [2,3]. While the majority of these findings have demonstrated the impact of respiration on cardiac output and other processes in isolated preparations, little work has focused on respiration's direct influence on membrane potential.…”

Yoga Breathing for Cancer Chemotherapy–Associated Symptoms and Quality of Life: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Though originally designed as a way to quiet the mind, these breathing techniques have also shown health benefits, especially in the area of mind-body illness. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Studies have suggested that pranayama practices create a relaxed state by enhancing parasympathetic tone. 11,13,16 Several studies have investigated the efficacy of a multimodality yoga intervention, which includes breathing, postures, and/or meditation, in a population of patients with cancer.…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Studies have suggested that pranayama practices create a relaxed state by enhancing parasympathetic tone. 11,13,16 Several studies have investigated the efficacy of a multimodality yoga intervention, which includes breathing, postures, and/or meditation, in a population of patients with cancer. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] However, conclusive results are lacking.…”

Different types of bhastrika pranayama: repeated measures trials with different treatments to study the trend of the effects on static balance ability

“…In yoga, some problems with stability are associated with hemispheric and autonomic imbalance. From the traditional point of view, in males, spatial performance is better during right side nostril breathing and verbal performance is better during left side nostril breathing [1,[24][25][26]. In the case of females, spatial performance is found better during the left side nostril breathing.…”