Study of Lipid Profile and Pulmonary Functions in Subjects Participated in Sudarshan Kriya Yoga

Abstract

We intended to study the effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, a novel breathing technique conceived by the world renowned spiritual leader and founder of The Art of Living Foundation Sri Sri Ravishankar. Millions of followers all over the world are practicing and reporting positive well being and better health. To see the effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga on Lipid Profile, Pulmonary Function and Hemoglobin concentration, we conducted a workshop of 8 days consisting of 150 participants. Out of which 55 were included in the study group. Our results show that after practicing Sudarshan Kriya, there is decrease in Total Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol along with significant increase in HDL-Cholesterol. There are significant changes in Pulmonary Function, but statistically non-significant changes in Hematological parameters. From the observation Sudarshan Kriya Yoga may play vital role in reducing Total Cholesterol (P<0.05), LDL-Cholesterol (P<0.001) and significantly increasing HDL-Cholesterol (P<0.001). Spirometric Pulmonary Function Tests studied were Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in first second, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation. The results showed improvement in all Pulmonary Function parameters in all subjects as compared to before practicing Sudarshan Kriya Yoga. Thus Sudarshan Kriya Yoga may have therapeutic implication in the adjunctive (non pharmacological) management of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases. The present study confirmed the positive effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga on Lipid Profile and Pulmonary Function over period of 8 days