Nagamma, T (2009) Suryanadi Anuloma Viloma Pranayama Modifies Autonomic Activity of Heart. JOY: The Journal of Yoga, 8 (1). pp. 1-5.

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Abstract

Patanjali, foremost exponent of Yoga, described pranayama as the gradual unforced cessation of breathing. Pranayama is derived from two Sanskrit words-prana (life) or yama (control). Pranayam or control of prana or life force yields heart beat pulse and mind control. Yoga combines scientific technique of right behavior (Yama-Niyama), proper posture (asana), life force control (pranayama), interiorisation of the mind (pratyahara), concentration (dhyan), developing intuition (dharna) and Samadhi (ultimate realization). Suryanadisuddhi pranayama starts with closing the right nostril with the thumb of the left hand followed by exhalation through right nostril and inhaling slowly through the same nostril. This forms one round of suryanadisuddi pranayama. Pulse rate was recorded before and after twelve cycles of left nostril breathing. Thirty two readings were taken. The pulse rate dropped from 71.19±6.3 to 65.88±5.6 (Figure 1). The change is significant at p<0.001. The subjects felt joy, peace and were calm. Alternate nostril breathing is a process of continuous, regularity of inhalation, holding of breath and exalation. It charges the body with an increased supply of oxygen through the lungs, this oxygen "burns" or oxidizes the waste impurities, chiefly carbon, in the venous blood. This process of purification is enhanced by an accompanying large increase in expulsion of waste carbondioxide from the lungs during exhalation. As a consequence, very little of the tissue remains in the blood as waste material. There is less need for the breath, as the flow to the lungs of blood for purification slows down. The heart and lungs are given extraordinary rest.

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