The Science of Breath - YogaVillage

In a fast paced age where stress and depression are widespread, the toll of stress on physical and mental health can be extremely high. Stress, anxiety and depression are known to be significant factors in the onset and progression of a wide spectrum of illnesses ranging from cancer and HIV-1 infection, to asthma and cardiovascular disease.

Independent research has shown that SK&P* significantly:

• Reduce levels of stress (reduce cortisol - the "stress" hormone)

• Support the immune system

• Reduce cholesterol

• Relieve anxiety and depression (mild, moderate and severe)

• Increase anti-oxidant protection

• Enhance brain function (increased mental focus, calmness and recovery

  from stressful stimuli)

• Enhance well-being and peace of mind

These simple, yet powerful breathing practices have a unique advantage over many other forms of treatment: they are free from unwanted side-effects, can cut health care costs, and are easy to learn and practice in daily life.

*Sudarshan Kriya® and its accompanying practices (SK&P) are time-honored stress management/health promotion techniques whose health benefits are being validated by modern medical science.

Research:

The Art of Living International Research and Health Promotion Center aims to promote timely and scholarly investigation of the SK&P as they relate to physical, social, and emotional well-being. We welcome research collaborations and suggestions from interested parties. The following are represent a sample of research completed:

Naga Venkatesha Murthy, P.J., Gangadhar, B.N., Janakiramaiah, N., Subbakrishna, D.K. (1997). Normalization of P300 Amplitude following Treatment in Dysthymia. Biological Psychiatry, 42, 740-743.

Naga Venkatesha Murthy, P.J., Janakiramaiah, N., Gangadhar, B.N., Subbakrishna, D.K. (1998). P300 amplitude and antidepressant response to Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY). Journal of Affective Disorders. 50(1):45-8.

Janakiramaiah, N., Gangadhar, BN., Naga Venkatesha Murthy, P.J., Harish, M.G., Subbakrishna D.K.,Vedamurthachar A. (2000). Antidepressant efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) in melancholia: a randomized comparison with Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and Imipramine. Journal of Affective Disorders. 57(1-3):255

Bhatia, M., Kumar, A., Kumar, N., Pandey, R.M., and Kochupillai, V. (2003). Electrophysiologic evaluation of Sudarshan Kriya: an EEG, BAER, and P300 study. Indian J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 47, 157-163.

Sharma, H., Sen, S., Singh, N.K. Bhardwaj, V. Kochupillai, N. Singh (2003). Sudarshan Kriya practitioners exhibit better antioxidant status and lower blood lactate levels. Biological Psychology 63:281-291.