A study by the Departments of Physiology and AYUSH at AIIMS Bhopal has shed new light on the cardiovascular benefits of pranayama, the ancient yogic practice of controlled breathing. The research, which focused on specific breathing techniques — Right Nostril Breathing (RNB) and Left Nostril Breathing (LNB) — found measurable improvements in heart rate variability (HRV), indicating enhanced autonomic function and stress reduction.
The study, conducted on 20 experienced yoga practitioners, evaluated the immediate effects of RNB and LNB on HRV using sophisticated monitoring tools. After just five minutes of practice, participants demonstrated a significant increase in parasympathetic activity — the branch of the nervous system associated with rest, relaxation, and reduced cardiac stress.
“Pranayama naturally slows down the breathing rate, which in turn calms the heart,†explained Dr Varun Malhotra, the lead author of the study and faculty at AIIMS Bhopal. “Our data revealed a consistent reduction in heart rate and a favorable shift in autonomic balance during both RNB and LNB.â€
While both techniques showed beneficial outcomes, the study noted that LNB had a slightly stronger effect on indicators related to relaxation and parasympathetic dominance. This finding aligns with traditional yogic beliefs, where LNB is described as having a cooling and calming influence on the body, while RNB is linked with increased energy and stimulation. The study, published in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion, reinforces the physiological value of pranayama as a non-pharmacological intervention for cardiovascular and stress-related disorders. It also adds to the growing body of scientific evidence validating traditional Indian wellness practices through modern clinical research.
Dr Danish Javed, senior medical officer in the AYUSH Department at AIIMS Bhopal, emphasised the broader impact of yoga, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We introduced online yoga sessions for patients during the peak of the pandemic, and the feedback was very encouraging. Patients reported reduced anxiety and better overall wellbeing,†he shared. “At AIIMS Bhopal, we continue to conduct yoga and meditation sessions for patients at regular intervals.â€
Experts believe these findings can have significant implications for preventive healthcare. Given the rising incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, especially hypertension, anxiety and cardiac ailments, incorporating simple breathing exercises into daily life could offer a low-cost, accessible tool for improving public health.
While the study highlights the immediate effects of pranayama, the researchers suggest that more long-term investigations are needed to understand its sustained impact on cardiovascular health. Nonetheless, the results mark an important step in bridging traditional knowledge with evidence-based medicine.
As Madhya Pradesh continues to integrate yoga into its tourism and public health initiatives, such research from premier institutions like AIIMS Bhopal further solidifies yoga’s role in shaping a healthier, more resilient population.
