Studying the role of yogic Pranayama in the management of Blood pressure

Abstract

Background: Yoga is an ancient science, in this Pranayama plays a very important role in astanga yoga. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of 2 pranayama namely anulom-viloma and Bhramari for mental relaxation and their effects on blood pressure. AIM: This study was conducted to understand the role of short-term practice of Pranayama in blood pressure. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was conducted combined by the Department of Philosophy of Nature cure and also in the Department of Cardiology at Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Nellore. 30 subjects of 20 - 40 years age group, fulfilling the inclusion criteria underwent anuloma-viloma and Bhramari pranayama training for 3 months. Both Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure were performed before and after the Pranayama technique. Results: This study showed increases parasympathetic dominance in basal heart rate and caused fall of both systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure by the reduction in sympathetic impulse on the cardiovascular system by the practice of anuloma-viloma and Bhramari pranayama technique for 20 minutes duration. Conclusion: The result of the current study proved that practice of anuloma-viloma and Bhramari pranayama gives good result to maintain normal blood pressure and also to reduce the stress level that we get in our day to day life