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Do Exercise and Yoga Improve the Quality of Life?
Published in Mehwish Iqbal, Complementary and Alternative Medicinal Approaches for Enhancing Immunity, 2023
Pranayama consists of four significant breathing aspects, which include inhalation (puraka), exhalation (recaka), retention of breath internally (antah kumbhaka) and retention of breath externally (bahih kumbhaka) (Nivethitha et al., 2016). In accordance with Patañjali's yoga sutra (one of the most reliable books of yoga in India), among the eight limbs of yoga, pranayama is the fourth one (Patañjali & Hartranft, 2003). Pranayama has shown several favourable health outcomes, including improved pulmonary function (Saxena & Saxena, 2009), increased cognition (Sharma et al., 2014), beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and stress relief (Sharma et al., 2013). Though short-lived outcomes of pranayama are on the pulmonary system, its long-standing effects have been demonstrated to make the conditions of the endocrine system, nervous system and circulatory system better and assist in preserving the functions and homeostasis of internal organs (Brown & Gerbarg, 2005a; Madanmohan et al., 2005).
Ayurveda and COVID-19
Published in Srijan Goswami, Chiranjeeb Dey, COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2, 2022
The literal meaning of Pranayama is breath control (Prana means breath and Ayam means control). The significance of Pranayama goes far beyond. The panchapranas (five pranas) control all the involuntary activities of the body. Pranamayakosha is the physiological sheath of the body. The five pranas are prana (cognition, mentation, and thought), udan (intake of breath), samana (digestion), vyana (distribution of breath and nutrition), and apana (excretion). Control over these physiological functions is Ayam. Pranayama is control and regulation of the physiological sheath. Regular practice of Yogasanas and Pranayama fine-tunes the Annamayakosha (physical sheath) and Pranamayakosha (physiological sheath) of the individual. Doing so will improve appetite, digestion, and absorption and distribution of nutrition. The efficiency of the cardio-pulmonary system improves and can be seen as reduced resting pulse rate and increased lung capacity. The endocrine glands function efficiently, and the immune system becomes sharp and efficient. The flexibility of the spine and all the joints improves, thus improving performance in sports and athletics. The gait, stance, and posture improve, lending grace and poise to the personality of the individual. A person will be well-advised to build into his daily routine at least 30 minutes of Yogasanas and Pranayama practice.
Principles and Practice of Yoga for Rejuvenation
Published in Goh Cheng Soon, Gerard Bodeker, Kishan Kariippanon, Healthy Ageing in Asia, 2022
Pranayama strengthens the lungs and increases their capacity. More fresh oxygenated air enters the lungs during deep inhalation and more carbon dioxide and other toxins are expelled out of the body during deep exhalation. It helps the heart to pump blood more efficiently; thus it improves and regulates the circulation of blood. Prana or vital energy (oxygen) reaches all parts of the body, so tissues get nourished. It enhances rejuvenation of the cells and stimulates the nervous system, endocrine glands and other vital organs for their optimal functioning by a supply of oxygenated blood.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on the effects of yoga in people with Parkinson’s disease
Published in Disability and Rehabilitation, 2022
David Suárez-Iglesias, Luis Santos, Miguel A. Sanchez-Lastra, Carlos Ayán
Yoga is an ancient Indian, non-religious mind-body approach that combines the practice of specific posture (asana), regulated breathing (pranayama), and meditation, and that is widely used as a CAT for individuals with neurological disorders [9]. Yoga therapy can be used throughout the lifespan and can be applied to patients with low and high levels of function [10]. Furthermore, scientific evidence has shown that yoga can improve motor symptoms and quality of life in people suffering from neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis [11]. In addition, yoga might be considered a treatment option for PD patients who are not adherent to recommended exercise regimens. Indeed, this CAT can be practised at home after a short training period [12], which helps to overcome some of the most common exercise barriers (i.e., lack of time and transportation difficulties) that this population faces [13]. Besides, enjoyment and relaxation can be achieved during yoga classes [14]. Thus, yoga seems to be a potential CAT option for those with PD.
Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical parameters in climacteric yoga practitioners
Published in Climacteric, 2022
L. A. Cota e Souza, A. A. Lima
Studies have shown that AIP is a good marker for predicting the risk of cardiovascular events among postmenopausal women [46,47]. Despite not finding significant differences in post hoc analysis in our study, yoga practitioners had lower AIP values than the other groups, especially compared to sedentary women. Evidence suggests that the excessive sympathetic activity is related to insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Yoga practices, especially meditation, breathing (pranayama) and relaxation (yoganidra) techniques, can contribute to the reduction of cardiovascular diseases [7]. Other mechanisms involved in decreasing cardiovascular risk with yoga practices are reduction of stress and inflammation [28,48]. Studies suggest that yoga-based interventions can reduce cardiovascular risk and assist in the management of cardiovascular diseases in a wide range populations, including middle-aged women [49]. Praveena et al. evaluated the effect of 3 months of yoga practice on cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women and reported the potential of yoga to offer cardiovascular protection in this population [50].
The efficacy of rehabilitation in people with Guillain-Barrè syndrome: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Published in Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 2021
Sara Sulli, Luca Scala, Anna Berardi, Antonella Conte, Viola Baione, Daniele Belvisi, Giorgio Leodori, Giovanni Galeoto
The study of Ragupathy S. et al. 2013 [25] wanted to investigate pranayama and meditation’s effect on regular rehabilitation in 22 patients with GBS. In both groups (study and control), patients received rehabilitation care; among the interventions used, physiotherapy included active assisted range of motion, passive range of motion, stretching of tight muscles, strengthening exercises, breathing exercises, and gait training. In addition to this, the experimental group received 15 sessions of yoga (1 hour a day) that included quick relaxation technique, pranayama, and guided meditation (Mind Sound Resonance TechniqueMSRT). The outcome measures of 20 patients, with two dropouts, reported significant differences between the groups in the quality of sleep, measured by the PSQI (p = 0.048). It was seen that there was a reduction of anxiety and depression (HADS), pain scores (NPRS), and an improvement in functional status (Barthel.index) in both groups without statistical differences. The authors argued that the use of yogic relaxation, pranayama, and meditation techniques, added to regular rehabilitation, appears to help improve sleep quality.