Yoga Research Papers

Alterations In AEPs During Meditation On "Om"

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Middle latency auditory evoked potentials were recorded in 18 male volunteers with ages between 25 and 45 years, 9 of whom had more than ten years of experience in OM meditation (senior subjects), whereas the other 9 had no meditation experience (naive subjects).

Recording Of AEPs During Meditation On "Om"

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Middle latency auditory evoked potentials were examined in 7 proficient subjects during the practice of meditation on the syllable "Om", to determine whether these potentials would differ significantly from those recorded during the baseline state without practicing meditation.

Autonomic Changes During "Om" Meditation

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The autonomic and respiratory variables were studied in seven experienced meditators (with experience ranging from 5 to 20 years). Each subject was studied in two types of sessions - meditation (with a period of mental chanting of "OM") and control (with a period of non-targetted thinking).

Heart Rate And Respiratory Changes Accompanying Yogic Conditions

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

It has been established (1, 2) that certain yogis can alter the patterns of their cardiovascular functions voluntarily. This report presents information obtained in a subject who practised yoga of thoughtless state for many years.

Autonomic Changes While Repeating Meaningful And Neutral Symbols

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Autonomic and respiratory variables were recorded in 12 volunteers in three types of sessions (1) Before, during and after a test period of mentally repeating a meaningful syllable "OM" (MOM session) ,(2) A similar session except that the test period was spent mentally repeating a neutral word "one" (COM session), (3) A session with non-targeted thinking (NT session).

Autonomic Changes In Brahmakumaris Raja Yoga Meditation

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

This report presents the changes in various autonomic and respiratory variables during the practice of Brahmakumaris Raja yoga meditation. This practice requires considerable commitment and involves concentrated thinking.

Yoga Based Guided Relaxation Reduces Sympathetic Activity

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

35 male volunteers with ages ranged from 20 to 46 yrs were studied in two sessions, of yoga based guided relaxation and supine rest. Assessments of autonomic parameters were made in 15 subjects, before, during and after the practices, whereas oxygen consumption and breath volume were recorded in 25 subjects, before and after both types of relaxation.

Oxygen Consumption And Respiration Following Relaxation Techniques

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The present study was conducted to evaluate a statement in ancient yoga texts which suggests that a combination of both "calming" and "stimulating" measures may be especially helpful in reaching a state of mental equilibrium.

Yoga Based Isometric Relaxation Versus Supine Rest

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Forty male volunteers with ages ranging from 16 to 46 yrs ware studied in two sessions, yoga based isometric relaxation technique (IRT) and supine rest (SR). Assessments of autonomic parameters were made in 15 subjects, before and after the practices, whereas oxygen consumption, breath rate and breath volume were recorded in 25 subjects, before and after IRT and SR.

Right Uninostril Yoga Breathing Influences

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

A previous report described selective electrical activity of the cerebral hemispheres with uninostril breathing. In the present study, middle latency auditory evoked potentials (MLAEPs) were recorded from symmetrical scalp sites during the practice of uninostril yoga breathing.

Spectral Analysis of the Vedic Mantra Omkara

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

It has been recognised for quite some time that Mantras or sacred words have beneficial effects on human beings and even plants. In a previous study, the authors have demonstrated the effect of Agnihotra mantra chanting at sunrise and sunset on the germination of rice seeds.

Effect of Yoga on Cognitive Functions in Climacteric Syndrome

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Climacteric is a physiologic transition characterised by depletion of the ovarian follicles, decreasing estradiol and inhibin production, leading to an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), loss of menstrual cycle, accompanied by menopausal symptoms.

Yoga for Bronchial Asthma: a Controlled Study

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Fifty three patients with asthma underwent training for two weeks in an integrated set of yoga exercises, including breathing exercises, suryanamaskar, yogasanas (physical postures), Pranayama (breath slowing techniques), dhyana (meditation), and a devotional session, and were told to practice these exercises for 65 minutes daily.

An Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: A 3 -54-Month Prospective Study

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

After an initial integrated yoga training program of 2 to 4 weeks, 570 bronchial asthmatics were followed up for 3 to 54 months. The training consisted of yoga practices-Yogasanas, Pranayama, meditation, and kriyas-and theory of yoga.

Daily PEFR Studies In Bronchial Asthmatics During Yoga Therapy

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The failure of conventional medicine to provide complete cure of psychosomatic ailment has prompted researchers to consider alternative methods of treatment. Yoga, the science for controlling the modifications of mind by relaxing the muscles, slowing down of breath and calming down of mind and thus evoking, stabilizing and expanding awareness in all our transactions is emerging as a solution.

Yoga - Chair Breathing For Acute Episodes of Bronchial Asthma

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

One hundred and ten episodes of airway obstruction in 86 bronchial asthmatics were treated by a special eight stepped yoga chair breathing procedure consisting of very simple neck muscle relaxation movements and asanas with breathing exercises.

Clinical Study of Yoga Techniques In University Students With Asthma: A Control Study

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Adult asthmatics, ranging from 19 to 52 years from an asthma and allergy clinic in a university setting volunteered to participate in the study. The 17 students were randomly divided into yoga (9 subjects) and nonyoga control (8 subjects) groups.

Preliminary studies of Yoga Therapy for Bronchial Asthma

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The past few decades have revolutionized the pattern of life of man in the whole world. The life is geared to the growth of civilization characterized by material prosperity at the cost of mental peace and physical health.

Yoga Therapy For NIDDM; A Controlled Trial

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Yoga offers a largely unexplored, widely available resource for the management of stress-related ailments. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness for hypertension1, bronchial asthma2 and several other conditions.

Measuring the Effect of Yoga in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

SIR - RA is a complex disease which requires the broad skills of a multidisciplinary team for effective management. Increasing attention is now given to the patient's role with the team. With emphasis on self-help and a greater degree of control by the patients of their disease and its treatment.

Improvement In Hand Grip Strength In Normal Volunteers And Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The present study aimed at assessing the effects of a set of yoga practices on normal adults (n=37), children (n=86), and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n=20). An equal number of normal adults, children, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis who did not practice yoga were studied under each category, forming respective control groups.

The Basis For An Integrated Approach In Yoga Therapy

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Yoga is becoming popular in different parts of the world. For the restless mind it gives solace. 1 For the sick, it is a boon.

Applications of Integral Approach of Yoga - A Review

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The review paper presents the overall results of the investigations undertaken to examine the efficacy of Yoga Therapy in the treatment and rehabilitation of various stress induced psychosomatic ailments in the psychiatric problems.

Yoga in Medicine

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Yoga has its origin in Sankhya philosophy of Indian culture which is about 8000 years old. Upanishads, the essence of Vedas, Bhagavad-Gita, Patanjali's yoga sutras, Hatha pradipika, Gheranda samhita and Yoga Vasistha are common texts of yoga

Physiological Sciences in India Foundations and frontiers

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

In the early 1970s, a new dimension was given to research on yoga when the epoch- making study by Wallace (1970) showed that the practice of Transcendental Meditation brings about a "unique hypo-metabolic physiologic wakeful state" with overall signs of psycho-physiological relaxation.

Yoga In Health and Disease part I

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The modern medical system has replaced almost all the traditional systems of medicine in different parts of this globe because of its rational basis. It has proved itself most effective in saving man from the fatal hands of contagious and infectious diseases.

Yoga In Health and Disease part II

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Yoga practices have been tried in the rehabilitation of various socially disadvantaged groups like inmates of jails, drug abusers, alcoholics, congenitally blind, mentally retarded and children from community (remand) homes.

Effect of 'pranic' healing in chronic Musculoskeletal pain

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

To compare the immediate effect of pranic healing, a non-touch non pharmacological method of treatment, in chronic musculoskeletal pain with a placebo session of random hand movements.

Base line occupational stress level and physiological responses to a two day stress management program

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The benefits of work site stress management programs for a symptomatic employee populations remain to be established. The present study evaluated the physiological changes of a yoga based stress management program for 26 a symptomatic, male, middle managers.

Yoga - A National Perspective

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The rule of the British in India, in a sense, was a boon for India. Their ulterior motive of initially, business and then to conquer India no doubt succeeded. But the subtle tactics of education to create an army of slaves and clerks in India so that the British could rule India for eternity did not work for long.

Effect of Pyramids on Microorganisms

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Investigations have been undertaken to find out if an enclosed pyramidal structure has any influence on the growth of microorganisms inside them, as claimed in legendary literature. Five models were used, four of them being pyramidal in shape and the fifth with a flat roof.

Effect of Yoga on Self-Rated Visual Discomfort in Computer Users

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

'Dry eye' appears to be the main contributor to the symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Regular breaks and the use of artificial tears or certain eye drops are some of the options to reduce visual discomfort. A combination of yoga practices have been shown to reduce visual strain in persons with progressive myopia.

Randomized Trial of Yoga as a Complementary Therapy for Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The present prospective, randomized trial compared the efficacy of anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) with two separate programs (yoga and breath awareness), on lung capacities and bacteriological status in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Psychophysiological Effects of Colored Light Used in Healing

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Chromotherapy uses colored light for healing. The present study assessed the physiological effects of blue and red light in normal volunteers, as these colors were believed to have opposite physiological effects. Fifteen male volunteers (age range 17 to 29 years) were studied in two sessions each.

Normative Data for the Letter-Cancellation Task in School Children

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Cancellation tests have a long history in neuropsychological assessment. Most commonly, they are administered as paper-and-pencil tests that are normally used to assess a person’s ability to visually search for an identifiable target and to either cancel or circle all such target items in an array.

The Effect of Long Term Combined Yoga Practice on the Basal Metabolic Rate

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Different procedures practiced in yoga have stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the basal metabolic rate when studied acutely. In daily life however, these procedures are usually practiced in combination. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the net change in the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of individuals actively engaging in a combination of yoga practices (asana or yogic postures, meditation and pranayama or breathing exercises) for a minimum period of six months, at a residential yoga education and research center at Bangalore.

Improvement in Visual Perception Following Yoga Training

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Visual discrimination was tested in two groups of 18 College students each, with ages ranging from 17 to 22 years. One group (the 'yoga' group) had 10 days training in yoga. Including asanas (physical postures), pranayama (voluntary regulation of breathing), tratakas (visual focusing exercises), meditation, and lectures on the theory of yoga.

Improvement in Visual Perceptual Sensitivity in Children Following Yoga Training

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

A sample of 14 children with ages ranging from 12 to 17 years (6 females) who received 10 days of yoga training and another 14 age and sex matched controls who did not receive yoga training were assessed on Day 1 and Day 10 for visual perceptual sensitivity through Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency (CFF) and degree of illusion.

A Combination of Focusing And Defocusing Through Yoga Reduces Optical Illusion More Than Focusing Alone

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The degree of optical illusion was assessed using standard Muller- Lyer lines in two groups (yoga and control) of thirty subjects each. All subjects were between eighteen and forty two years of age. The difference between the reading at which the lines were actually equal and the reading at which the subject felt them to be equal, was noted as the degree of illusion ("di").

Progressive Increase in Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency Following Yoga Training

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) is the frequency at which a flickering stimulus is perceived to be steady, with higher values suggesting greater perceptual accuracy. The CFF was measured in two age-matched groups of healthy male volunteers whose ages ranged from 25 to 39 years, with 18 subjects in each group.

Physiological Changes in Sports Teachers Following 3 Months of Training in Yoga

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Three months of training in the ancient Indian science of Yoga, which included different asanas (physical postures) and Pranayamas (voluntary regulation of the breathing) has following effects in normal, hea1thy subjects, viz a significant reduction in heart rate, BP and an increase in mean skin temperature, and alpha index of EEG, reduction in blood glucose, plasma cholesterol, dopamine B hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase, and increased levels of urinary 17-keto steroids.

Improvement in Static Motor Performance Following Yogic Training of School Children

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Two groups of 45 children each, whose ages ranged from 9 to 13 years, were assessed on a steadiness test, at the beginning and again at the end of a 10-day period during which one group received training in yoga, while the other group not. The steadiness test required insertion of and holding for 15 see. a metal stylus without touching the sides of holes of decreasing sizes in a metal plate.

Pranayama Increases Grip Strength Without Lateralized Effects

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The present study was conducted to determine whether breathing through a particular nostril has a lateralized effect on hand grip strength. 130 right hand dominant, school children between 11 and 18 yrs of age were randomly assigned to 5 groups. Each group had a specific yoga practice in addition to the regular program for a 10 day yoga camp.

Plasticity of Motor Control Systems Demonstrated by Yoga Training

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The static motor performance was tested in two groups with 20 subjects in each (age range 17 to 22 years, and 5 females in each group). Tests were carried out at the beginning and end of a 10 day period. The test required being able to insert and hold a metal stylus within holes of varying sizes for 15 sec.

Factors Influencing Changes in Tweezer Dexterity Scores Following Yoga Training

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Yoga has already been shown to improve perceptual-motor skills, but the factors which influence its effects are not well defined. This study correlates age, gender, and motivation to learn yoga with the performance in a dexterity task following yoga.

Yoga Training And Motor Speed Based on A Finger Tapping Task

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

A finger tapping task was used to assess motor speed (MS) of both hands in 53 adults and, 152 children before and after yoga training and in 38 adults of a non-yoga (control) group. All subjects were right hand dominant.

Effect of Yoga Training on Maze Learning

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The performance in a maze learning task was assessed in adults of either sex (n=31) before and after 30 days of yoga training and in an age and gender matched control group of subjects who did not receive training in yoga.

Improved Performance in The Tower of London Test Following Yoga

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Twenty girls between 10 and 13 years of age, studying at a residential school were randomly assigned to two groups. One group practiced yoga for one hour fifteen minutes per day, 7 days a week, while the other group was given physical training for the same time.

Yoga Breathing Through a Particular Nostril Increases Spatial Memory Scores Without Lateralized Effects

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Spectral Analysis of Indian Musical Notes

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Music forms an important part of Indian culture. It is believed that Indian music originated from the Samaveda. It is now available in two forms, the Hindustani and the Carnatic. There is a lot of information concerning the technicalaspects of musical renditions, but hardly any information on the sound aspect.

Influence of Yoga on Mood States, Distress, Quality of Life and Immune Outcomes

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of yoga intervention on mood states, treatment-related symptoms, quality of life and immune outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery.

A Randomized Control Trial of the Effect of Yoga on Verbal Aggressiveness

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Although global scientific and technological progress is evidence of human intelligence and creativity, emotional hypersensitivity and aggression have increased. Violence remains one of the greatest public health threats to youth.

Changes in P300 Following Two Yoga Based Relaxation Techniques

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Cyclic meditation (CM) is a technique that combines “stimulating” and “calming” practices, based on a statement in ancient yoga texts suggesting that such a combination may be especially helpful to reach a state of mental equilibrium.

Investigating Paranormal Phenomena

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

“Telepathy” is defined as “the communication of impressions of any kind from one mind to another, independently of the recognized channels of sense”. With the help of various rigorous paradigms over the last 70 years, systematic research has lent support to the reality of telepathy.

Yoga For Rehabilitation

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Yoga is an ancient Indian science and way of life. The practice of yoga has been shown to be therapeutically useful in bronchial asthma,1.2 type II diabetes Mellitus,3.4 hypertension,5 as well as other Psychosomatic ailments.

The Integrated Approach of Yoga

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Ninety children with mental retardation of mild, moderate and severe degree were selected from four special schools in Bangalore, India. Forty-five children underwent yogic training for one academic year (5h in every week) with an integrated set of yogic practices, including breathing exercises and pranayama, sithilikarana vyayama (loosening exercises), suryanamaskar, yogasanas and meditation.

Sudomotor Sympathetic Hypofunction in down's Syndrome

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

General sympathetic dysfunction has been proposed as an explanation for the inability to reach normal heightened attention in Down's syndrome (DS). The present study on 15 DS subjects (group average age ± SD, 14.3 ± 3.6 years; 11 males) and in an equal number of age - and gender - matched normal subjects (NS), evaluated activity in different subdivisions of the sympathetic nervous system.

Middle Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials in Congenitally Blind and Normal Sighted Subjects

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Middle latency auditory evoked potentials were recorded in two groups of ten subjects each, viz, congenitally blind (CB) and age-matched subjects with normal vision (NV). The age range for both groups was 13 to 16 years.

Shorter Latencies of Components of Middle Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials in Congenitally Blind Compared to Normal Sighted Subjects

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

A previous study which reported shorter latencies of the Nb component of AEP-MLRS in congenitally blind compared to normal sighted subjects, formed the basis for the present study. The blind subjects had received a rehabilitation program from the age of 4 years onwards, which may have influenced auditory function.

Difference Between Congenitally Blind and Normally Sighted Subjects in the P1 Component of Middle Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Auditory evoked potentials (0 to 100 msec. range) were recorded two times for 9 congenitally blind children (age= 14.1 yr. ± 1.4 yr.) and 9 age-matched children with normal vision. The groups peak latency and amplitude of the P1 wave were compared.

Autonomic and Respiratory Measures in Children with Impaired Vision following Yoga and Physical Activity Programs

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Yoga for the Rehabilitation of Socially Disadvantaged and Visually Impaired Subject

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

This study was designed (i) to compare autonomic parameters in two categories of subjects (age range 12 to 17 years), viz. community home girls (CH, n=20) who were admitted due to problems in adjusting in society, and congenitally blind subjects (CB, n=28) with appropriate age-matched, control groups i.e. children staying at home and those with normal vision, respectively, (ii) to compare the effect of yoga with games (n= 14 each) in the CH group and the effects of yoga with gardening (n=12 each) in the CB group.

Muscle Power Dexterity skill and Visual Perception in Community home girls trained in yoga or sports and in regular school girls

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The present study was conducted to compare critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF), degree of optical illusion ("di"), dexterity scores, and grip strength in three groups of subjects, viz community home girls who had learned yoga for 6 months (CHY), age-matched community home girls who had physical activity training for 6 months (CHP), and girls who were attending a regular school (SCH).

Comparison of Changes in Automatic and Respiratory Parameters of Girls After Yoga and Games at a Community Home

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The heart rate, breathing rate, and skin resistance were recorded for 20 community home girls (Home group) and for 20 age-matched girls from a regular school (School group). The former group had a significantly higher rate of breathing and a more irregular breath pattern, known to correlate with high fear and anxiety, than the School group.

Effects of Yoga on Schizophrenics

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Meditation has been gaining popularity as a psychotherapeutic intervention(Frith et al, 1979). However adverse effects of meditation have also been reported, viz. depersonalisation, altered reality testing, and the appearance of previously repressed, highly charged memories and conflicts (Glueck and Stroebel, 1976; Kennedy, 1976).

Influence of Yoga on Postoperative Outcomes

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of yoga intervention on postoperative outcomes and wound healing in early operable breast cancer patients undergoing surgery.

Long-term Effect of Yogic Practices on Diurnal Metabolic Rates

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of yoga training on diurnal metabolic rates in yoga practitioners at two different times of the day (at 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.).

Yoga Reduces Symptoms of Distress In Tsunami Survivors

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

A month after the December 2004 tsunami the effect of a 1 week yoga program was evaluated on self rated fear, anxiety, sadness and disturbed sleep in 47 survivors in the Andaman Islands. Polygraph recordings of the heart rate, breath rate and skin resistance were also made. Among the 47 people, 31 were settlers from the mainland (i.e. India, ML group) and 16 were endogenous people (EP group).

Therapeutic Application of a Cold Chest Pack in Bronchial Asthma

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

In natural medicine, application of a cold chest pack for 30 min daily over a period of time is believed to improve lung functions in bronchial asthmatics. However there has been no scientific evaluation of this treatment. Hence the present study was carried out on 15 medication-free bronchial asthma patients (2 males) with ages from 19 to 42 years.

Influence of Yoga and Ayurveda on self-rated sleep in a geriatric population

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Oxygen Consumption During Pranayamic Type Slow-Rate Breathing

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

To determine whether the yogic Ujjayi pranayamic type of breathing that involves sensory awareness and consciously controlled, extremely slow-rate breathing including at least a period of end-inspiration breath holding in each respiratory cycle would alter oxygen consumption or not, ten males with long standing experience in pranayama, and volunteering to participate in the laboratory study were assessed.

Alterations of AEPs During Yogic Breathing and Attentive State if Mind

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Middle latency auditory-evoked potentials (AEP-MLRs) of 10 healthy male subjects in the age range of 21-33 years, were assessed to determine whether yogic pranayamic practice would cause changes in them. The pranayama type assessed here is an exercise of consciously-controlled rhythmic breathing involving timed breath-holding in each cycle of breathing, while the subject holds utmost attention and experiences the touch of inhaled air in the nasal passage.

Breathing Through a Nostril can alter Metabolism and Autonomic Activities

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

There is increasing interest in the fact that breathing exclusively through one nostril may alter the autonomic functions. The present study aimed at checking whether such changes actually do occur, and whether breathing is consciously regulated. 48 male subjects, with ages ranging from 25 to 48 years were randomly assigned to different groups.

Physiological Measures of Right Nostril Breathing

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

This study was conducted to assess the physiological effects of a yoga breathing practice that involves breathing exclusively through the right nostril. This practice is called surya anuloma viloma pranayama (SAV). Twelve volunteers (average age 27.2 years ± 3.3 years, four males) were assessed before and after test sessions conducted on two consecutive days.

Effect Two Yogic Breathing Techniques on Heart Rate Variability

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The heart rate variability (HRV) is an indicator of the cardiac autonomic control. Two spectral components are usually recorded, viz. high frequency (0.15- 0.50 Hz), which is due to vagal efferent activity and a low frequency component (0.05- 0.15 Hz), due to sympathetic activity.

Recording of the Endosomatic Sympathetic Skin Response

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The sympathetic skin response (SSR) is a measure of the electrodermal activity recorded by an endosomatic method, i.e., without using external current. It correlates with exogenous (e.g., a sound) and endogenous (e.g., a deep breath) stimuli.

Oxygen Consumption and Respiration During and After two Yoga Relaxation Techniques

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

Cyclic meditation (CM) is a technique which combines ‘stimulating’ and ‘calming’ practices, based on a statement in ancient yoga texts suggesting that such a combination may be especially helpful to reach a state of mental equilibrium.

A Randomized Control Trial of the Effect of Yoga on Gunas (Personality) and Health

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:30:05 GMT

The present age of speed and competition has increased the stresses and strains resulting in an increasing prevalence of life style-related health problems. One of the increasingly popular tools to overcome this new challenge is physical activity.