Effect of Pranayama on Respiratory Health – An updated Review
Komal Vilas Patil1 , Sulbha Bhosale2 , and Pravin Firke3
1,2Department of Kriya Sharir, Parul Institute of Ayurved and Research, Parul University, Vadodara - 391760 (India) 1Email: kp1sign@gmail.com, 7709417599. 2*Email: jaggyronin@gmail.com, 8530320950. 3Department of Agadtantra, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Vadodara - 391760 (India) Email: firkepravin@gmail.com, 9421540503. *Corresponding author: Dr Sulbha Bhosale, Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, Parul Institute of Ayurved and Research, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, Email: jaggyronin@gmail.com, 8530320950
ABSTRACT
Pranayama, the ancient yogic science of breath regulation, holds significant relevance in the context of respiratory health, particularly in today’s world where respiratory illnesses are on the rise due to pollution, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic stress. Rooted in the holistic principles of Ayurveda and Yoga, Pranayama works on balancing the Prana (life force) through controlled inhalation, retention, and exhalation of breath. This review article presents an updated evaluation of the role of Pranayama in promoting and managing respiratory health, drawing insights from classical Ayurvedic texts as well as modern scientific research. According to Ayurveda, the balance of Prana Vayu, Udana Vayu, and other subtypes of Vata Dosha is crucial for proper respiration. Disruption in this balance leads to various respiratory disorders such as asthma (Tamaka Shwasa), allergic rhinitis, and bronchitis. Recent research aligns with traditional beliefs by showing that consistent practice of breathing techniques such as Anulom-Vilom, Bhastrika, Kapalabhati, and Nadi Shodhana can lead to notable enhancements in pulmonary function, including improvements in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR).