Sudarshan Kriya Yoga and Antioxidant Enzymes A Novel Relationship

Abstract

Introduction: Health of an individual depends on stress. Stress is less, healthier the individual. Oxidative stress is an internal damage caused by oxygen free radicals. The free radical damage can be minimised by enhancing the cellular antioxidant system and decreasing the lipid peroxidation. Aims and objectives: Our earlier research had shown that practise of SKY lowers the lipid peroxidation and lipid lowering effect. This prompted us to study the biological variability like erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (E-SOD) and blood glutathione peroxidise (GSHpx) in normal subjects who were practising Sudarshan Kriya Yoga. Materials and Methods: In this study 46 normal participants of basic course conducted by Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth were selected for evaluation. Their MDA, E-SOD and blood GSHpx levels were analysed before the start of SKY practice and consecutively at 7^th day and 45^th day after their practising SKY daily. Results: This study demonstrates that the levels of E- SOD and blood GSHpx were lower in the participants before SKY practise and the same were significantly increased after 7^thand 45^th day of SKY practise. There was significant decrease in serum MDA levels after 7^thand 45^th day of SKY practise. Conclusions: This observation suggests that practise of SKY enhances the bodys natural defence mechanism by improving the quality and length of life by preventing the damage caused by free radicals.