Stress, a psychophysiological process, acts through the immune-neuroendocrine axis and affects cellular processes of body and immune functions, leading to disease states including cancer. Stress is also linked to the habit of tobacco consumption and substance abuse, which in turn also leads to diseases. Sudarshan Kriya (SK) and Pranayam (P), rhythmic breathing processes, are known to reduce stress and improve immune functions. Cancer patients who had completed their standard therapy were studied. SK and P increased natural killer (NK) cells significantly (P<0.001) at 12 and 24 weeks of the practice compared to baseline. Increase in NK cells at 24 weeks was significant (P<0.05) compared to controls. There was no effect on T-cell subsets after SK and P either in the study group or among controls. SK and P helped to control the tobacco habit in 21% of individuals who were followed up to 6 months of practice. We conclude that the inexpensive and easy to learn and practice breathing processes (SK and P) in this study demonstrated an increase in NK cells and a reduction in tobacco consumption. When confirmed in large and randomized studies, this result could mean that the regular practice of SK and P might reduce the incidence and progression of cancer.

AIMS:The present study focuses on analyzing the effects of Sudarshan Kriya yoga (SKY) on brain signals during a working memory (WM) task. To envision the significant effects of SKY on WM capacity (WMC), we chose a control group for contriving a cogent comparison that could be corroborated using statistical tests.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:A total of 25 subjects were taken in the study, of which 10 were allotted to a control group and 15 to an experimental group. Electroencephalograph was taken during a WM task, which was an automated operation span test before and after SKY with 90 days intervals. No SKY was given to the control group.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:t-test and one-way ANOVA were applied.

RESULTS:SKY promoted the efficient use of energy and power spectral density (PSD) for different brain rhythms in the desired locations as depicted by the gamma (F8 channel), alpha, and theta 2 (F7 and FC5) bands. It was found that gamma PSD reduced for both phases of memory in the experimental group. Alpha energy increased during the retrieval phase in the experimental group after SKY. Theta 1 rhythm was not affected by SKY, but theta 2 had shown left hemispheric activation. Theta rhythm was associated with memory consolidation.

CONCLUSIONS:SKY had shown minimized energy losses while performing the task. SKY can improve WMC by changing the brain rhythms such that energy is utilized efficiently in performing the task.

AIMS:The present study focuses on analyzing the effects of Sudarshan Kriya yoga (SKY) on brain signals during a working memory (WM) task. To envision the significant effects of SKY on WM capacity (WMC), we chose a control group for contriving a cogent comparison that could be corroborated using statistical tests.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:A total of 25 subjects were taken in the study, of which 10 were allotted to a control group and 15 to an experimental group. Electroencephalograph was taken during a WM task, which was an automated operation span test before and after SKY with 90 days intervals. No SKY was given to the control group.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:t-test and one-way ANOVA were applied.

RESULTS:SKY promoted the efficient use of energy and power spectral density (PSD) for different brain rhythms in the desired locations as depicted by the gamma (F8 channel), alpha, and theta 2 (F7 and FC5) bands. It was found that gamma PSD reduced for both phases of memory in the experimental group. Alpha energy increased during the retrieval phase in the experimental group after SKY. Theta 1 rhythm was not affected by SKY, but theta 2 had shown left hemispheric activation. Theta rhythm was associated with memory consolidation.

CONCLUSIONS:SKY had shown minimized energy losses while performing the task. SKY can improve WMC by changing the brain rhythms such that energy is utilized efficiently in performing the task.

OBJECTIVES:To investigate whether Sudarshan Kriya and related practices (SK&P) can lead to increased global assessment of functioning (GAF) and increased feeling of wellness in male prisoners with a non psychotic psychiatric disorder.

METHODOLOGY:This is a six month parallel randomized controlled study with sample size of 230 male prisoners. Participants meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were assigned to a study or control group by simple random allocation in which random allocation sequence was generated using a random number table. Each individual study participant was involved in a daily program of SK&P for six weeks. Each individual control participant was instructed to sit in an armchair with his eyes closed and gentle attention to their breath for duration of six weeks. To be included in this study, a participant must be a male prisoner diagnosed to be suffering from a psychiatric disorder (except psychosis and bipolar affective disorder [BPAD]) by ICD-10 (DCR) criteria with age between 18 and 65 years.

RESULTS:Majority of subjects were unemployed married individuals, educated until undermatric level and not having occupational skills of more than an unskilled labor level. Practicing SK&P for six weeks led to improvement in mean±SD score of study participants in GAF, anxiety (ANX), depressed mood (DEP), positive well being (PWB), general health (GH), self control (SC), vitality (VT) and total positive general well being (PGWB). Change in mean±SD score of study participants when compared with control participants was statistically significant in terms of GAF, ANX, DEP, PWB, GH and PGWB. Increase in SC and VT scores was statistically insignificant when compared with control participants.

CONCLUSION:Practicing SK&P helps in improving GAF, PWB, GH and total PGWB of an individual. SK&P also causes significant reduction in anxiety and depression levels. Effect of SK&P on SC and VT is insignificant.

OBJECTIVES:To investigate whether Sudarshan Kriya and related practices (SK&P) can lead to increased global assessment of functioning (GAF) and increased feeling of wellness in male prisoners with a non psychotic psychiatric disorder.

METHODOLOGY:This is a six month parallel randomized controlled study with sample size of 230 male prisoners. Participants meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were assigned to a study or control group by simple random allocation in which random allocation sequence was generated using a random number table. Each individual study participant was involved in a daily program of SK&P for six weeks. Each individual control participant was instructed to sit in an armchair with his eyes closed and gentle attention to their breath for duration of six weeks. To be included in this study, a participant must be a male prisoner diagnosed to be suffering from a psychiatric disorder (except psychosis and bipolar affective disorder [BPAD]) by ICD-10 (DCR) criteria with age between 18 and 65 years.

RESULTS:Majority of subjects were unemployed married individuals, educated until undermatric level and not having occupational skills of more than an unskilled labor level. Practicing SK&P for six weeks led to improvement in mean±SD score of study participants in GAF, anxiety (ANX), depressed mood (DEP), positive well being (PWB), general health (GH), self control (SC), vitality (VT) and total positive general well being (PGWB). Change in mean±SD score of study participants when compared with control participants was statistically significant in terms of GAF, ANX, DEP, PWB, GH and PGWB. Increase in SC and VT scores was statistically insignificant when compared with control participants.

CONCLUSION:Practicing SK&P helps in improving GAF, PWB, GH and total PGWB of an individual. SK&P also causes significant reduction in anxiety and depression levels. Effect of SK&P on SC and VT is insignificant.

INTRODUCTION:The quality of life (QOL) of substance users is known to be impaired. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a yogic breathing program has potential to improve QOL and needs evaluation in an Indian setting.

AIMS:Study aimed to assess changes in QOL in treatment seeking male opioid dependent users following practice of SKY program.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:Users were randomized into study (n = 55) and control group (n = 29). Study group besides standard treatment (long term pharmacotherapy with buprenorphine in flexible dosing schedule) underwent a 3 days, 12 h SKY program while control group received standard treatment alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:World Health Organization QOL-brief scale was used to measure QOL and urine tested to assess recent drug use. Assessments were made at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:Data were analyzed using generalized estimation equation to assess within group change with time and the overall difference between groups for changes at assessment points.

RESULTS:Overtime within study group, all four QOL domain scores were significantly higher at 6 months. Between group comparison showed significant increase in physical (P<0.05); psychological (P<0.001) and environment domains (P<0.001) for study group while control group showed significant changes in social relationship domain only. Urine screening results were negative for study group indicating no drug use at 6 months.

CONCLUSION:SKY as a complementary therapy was found beneficial in improving QOL for group practicing it and is recommended for use as low cost and low-risk adjunct in substance treatment settings in India.

INTRODUCTION:The quality of life (QOL) of substance users is known to be impaired. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a yogic breathing program has potential to improve QOL and needs evaluation in an Indian setting.

AIMS:Study aimed to assess changes in QOL in treatment seeking male opioid dependent users following practice of SKY program.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:Users were randomized into study (n = 55) and control group (n = 29). Study group besides standard treatment (long term pharmacotherapy with buprenorphine in flexible dosing schedule) underwent a 3 days, 12 h SKY program while control group received standard treatment alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:World Health Organization QOL-brief scale was used to measure QOL and urine tested to assess recent drug use. Assessments were made at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:Data were analyzed using generalized estimation equation to assess within group change with time and the overall difference between groups for changes at assessment points.

RESULTS:Overtime within study group, all four QOL domain scores were significantly higher at 6 months. Between group comparison showed significant increase in physical (P<0.05); psychological (P<0.001) and environment domains (P<0.001) for study group while control group showed significant changes in social relationship domain only. Urine screening results were negative for study group indicating no drug use at 6 months.

CONCLUSION:SKY as a complementary therapy was found beneficial in improving QOL for group practicing it and is recommended for use as low cost and low-risk adjunct in substance treatment settings in India.

BACKGROUND:The rapid pace of life, eating habits, and environmental pollution have increased stress levels and its related disorders. The complex molecular response to stress is mediated by stress genes and a variety of regulatory pathways. Oxidative stress is internal damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Increasing evidence suggests that chronic psychosocial stress may increase oxidative stress, which in turn may contribute to aging, and etiology of coronary diseases, cancer, arthritis, etc. Psychophysiological concomitants of meditation have been extensively researched, but there are very little data available on biochemical activity leading to relieving stress by causing a relaxation response by Sudarshan Kriya (SK). SK is a breathing technique that involves breathing in three different rhythms. It is preceded by Ujjayi Pranayam (long and deep breaths with constriction at the base of throat) and Bhastrika (fast and forceful breaths through nose along with arm movements).

METHODS:Forty-two SK practitioners and 42 normal healthy controls were recruited for our study. The practitioners had practiced SK for at least 1 year. Selected normal healthy controls did not perform any conventional physical exercise or any formal stress management technique. Whole blood was used for glutathione peroxidase estimation and red blood cell lysate was used for superoxide dismutase activity assay and for glutathione estimation. White blood cells were isolated from fresh blood and assayed for gene expression using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The parameters studied are antioxidant enzymes, genes involved in oxidative stress, DNA damage, cell cycle control, aging, and apoptosis.

RESULTS:A better antioxidant status both at the enzyme activity and RNA level was seen in SK practitioners. This was accompanied by better stress regulation and better immune status due to prolonged life span of lymphocytes by up-regulation of antiapoptotic genes and prosurvival genes in these subjects.

CONCLUSIONS:Our pilot study provides the first evidence suggesting that SK practice may exert effects on immunity, aging, cell death, and stress regulation through transcriptional regulation.

BACKGROUND:While efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) has been demonstrated in a number of prior studies, little is known about the effects of SKY taught as part of the Your Enlightened Side (YES+) workshop designed for college students and other young adults.

AIMS:This study aimed to assess the effects of YES+, a yogic breathing-based life skills workshop, on multiple measures of well-being and physiological stress response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:Two nonrandomized open-trial pilot studies were conducted with a total of 74 young adults (age 25.4± 6.6 years; 55% female). Study 1 collected a variety of self-report questionnaires at baseline, postworkshop, and 1-month follow-up. Study 2 collected self-report questionnaires in addition to electrocardiography with a stationary cycling challenge at baseline and 1-month follow-up.

RESULTS:Study 1: Improvements in self-reported depression (P's≤ 0.010), perceived stress (P's ≤ 0.002), life satisfaction (P's ≤ 0.002), social connectedness (P's ≤ 0.004), and gratitude (P's ≤ 0.090) were observed at postworkshop and 1-month after workshop relative to baseline. Study 2: Improvements in self-reported emotion regulation were observedat 1-month follow-up relative to baseline (P = 0.019). Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Expanded Form positive affect increased (P = 0.021), while fatigue and sadness decreased (P's ≤ 0.005). During the stationary cycling challenge, rate to recovery of electrocardiography inter-beat intervalalso increased from baseline to 1-month follow-up (P = 0.077).

CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggest that a life skills workshop integrating yogic breathing techniques may provide self-empowering tools for enhancing well-being in young adults. Future research is indicated to further explore these effects, particularly in regards to vagal tone and other aspects of stress physiology.

BACKGROUND:While efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) has been demonstrated in a number of prior studies, little is known about the effects of SKY taught as part of the Your Enlightened Side (YES+) workshop designed for college students and other young adults.

AIMS:This study aimed to assess the effects of YES+, a yogic breathing-based life skills workshop, on multiple measures of well-being and physiological stress response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:Two nonrandomized open-trial pilot studies were conducted with a total of 74 young adults (age 25.4± 6.6 years; 55% female). Study 1 collected a variety of self-report questionnaires at baseline, postworkshop, and 1-month follow-up. Study 2 collected self-report questionnaires in addition to electrocardiography with a stationary cycling challenge at baseline and 1-month follow-up.

RESULTS:Study 1: Improvements in self-reported depression (P's≤ 0.010), perceived stress (P's ≤ 0.002), life satisfaction (P's ≤ 0.002), social connectedness (P's ≤ 0.004), and gratitude (P's ≤ 0.090) were observed at postworkshop and 1-month after workshop relative to baseline. Study 2: Improvements in self-reported emotion regulation were observedat 1-month follow-up relative to baseline (P = 0.019). Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Expanded Form positive affect increased (P = 0.021), while fatigue and sadness decreased (P's ≤ 0.005). During the stationary cycling challenge, rate to recovery of electrocardiography inter-beat intervalalso increased from baseline to 1-month follow-up (P = 0.077).

CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggest that a life skills workshop integrating yogic breathing techniques may provide self-empowering tools for enhancing well-being in young adults. Future research is indicated to further explore these effects, particularly in regards to vagal tone and other aspects of stress physiology.

BACKGROUND:While efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) has been demonstrated in a number of prior studies, little is known about the effects of SKY taught as part of the Your Enlightened Side (YES+) workshop designed for college students and other young adults.

AIMS:This study aimed to assess the effects of YES+, a yogic breathing-based life skills workshop, on multiple measures of well-being and physiological stress response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:Two nonrandomized open-trial pilot studies were conducted with a total of 74 young adults (age 25.4± 6.6 years; 55% female). Study 1 collected a variety of self-report questionnaires at baseline, postworkshop, and 1-month follow-up. Study 2 collected self-report questionnaires in addition to electrocardiography with a stationary cycling challenge at baseline and 1-month follow-up.

RESULTS:Study 1: Improvements in self-reported depression (P's≤ 0.010), perceived stress (P's ≤ 0.002), life satisfaction (P's ≤ 0.002), social connectedness (P's ≤ 0.004), and gratitude (P's ≤ 0.090) were observed at postworkshop and 1-month after workshop relative to baseline. Study 2: Improvements in self-reported emotion regulation were observedat 1-month follow-up relative to baseline (P = 0.019). Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-Expanded Form positive affect increased (P = 0.021), while fatigue and sadness decreased (P's ≤ 0.005). During the stationary cycling challenge, rate to recovery of electrocardiography inter-beat intervalalso increased from baseline to 1-month follow-up (P = 0.077).

CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggest that a life skills workshop integrating yogic breathing techniques may provide self-empowering tools for enhancing well-being in young adults. Future research is indicated to further explore these effects, particularly in regards to vagal tone and other aspects of stress physiology.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study is to examine the effect of a cognitive, behavioral stress management module of Sudarshan Kriya (SK) and P on levels of serum cortisol and pain among the women suffering from advanced stage breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:Participants (n = 147) were screened and randomized to receive standard care (n = 69) versus standard along with SK and Pranayam (P) intervention (n = 78) imparted in one 18 hrs workshop spread during 3 days. Participants were expected to practice it at home 20 min daily as adjuvant to standard pharmacological treatment for pain.

RESULTS:There was a significant difference in blood cortisol levels after 3 months of practice of SK and P. Mean blood levels in the intervention arm were 341.2 ng/ml against 549.2 ng/ml in the control arm (P≤ 0.002). Pain perception in comparison to control arm reduced by 3 points in SK and P arm on 0-10 verbal scale of pain.

CONCLUSION:SK and P is an effective intervention in reducing stress and pain among advance stage patients of breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study is to examine the effect of a cognitive, behavioral stress management module of Sudarshan Kriya (SK) and P on levels of serum cortisol and pain among the women suffering from advanced stage breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:Participants (n = 147) were screened and randomized to receive standard care (n = 69) versus standard along with SK and Pranayam (P) intervention (n = 78) imparted in one 18 hrs workshop spread during 3 days. Participants were expected to practice it at home 20 min daily as adjuvant to standard pharmacological treatment for pain.

RESULTS:There was a significant difference in blood cortisol levels after 3 months of practice of SK and P. Mean blood levels in the intervention arm were 341.2 ng/ml against 549.2 ng/ml in the control arm (P≤ 0.002). Pain perception in comparison to control arm reduced by 3 points in SK and P arm on 0-10 verbal scale of pain.

CONCLUSION:SK and P is an effective intervention in reducing stress and pain among advance stage patients of breast cancer.

One of the most common integrative medicine (IM) modalities is yoga and related practices. Previous work has shown that yoga may improve wellness in healthy people and have benefits for patients. However, the mechanisms of how yoga may positively affect the mind-body system are largely unknown. Here we have assessed possible rapid changes in global gene expression profiles in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy people that practiced either a comprehensive yoga program or a control regimen. The experimental sessions included gentle yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation (Sudarshan Kriya and Related Practices--SK&P) compared with a control regimen of a nature walk and listening to relaxing music. We show that the SK&P program has a rapid and significantly greater effect on gene expression in PBMCs compared with the control regimen. These data suggest that yoga and related practices result in rapid gene expression alterations which may be the basis for their longer term cell biological and higher level health effects.

One of the most common integrative medicine (IM) modalities is yoga and related practices. Previous work has shown that yoga may improve wellness in healthy people and have benefits for patients. However, the mechanisms of how yoga may positively affect the mind-body system are largely unknown. Here we have assessed possible rapid changes in global gene expression profiles in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy people that practiced either a comprehensive yoga program or a control regimen. The experimental sessions included gentle yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation (Sudarshan Kriya and Related Practices--SK&P) compared with a control regimen of a nature walk and listening to relaxing music. We show that the SK&P program has a rapid and significantly greater effect on gene expression in PBMCs compared with the control regimen. These data suggest that yoga and related practices result in rapid gene expression alterations which may be the basis for their longer term cell biological and higher level health effects.

BACKGROUND:Yoga is a science practiced in India over thousands of years. It produces constituent physiological changes and has sound scientific basis.

AIM:Since exam stress modifies lipid profile and hematological parameters, we conducted an investigation on the effect of sudarshan kriya (SK and P) program on these parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:Blood samples of 43 engineering students were collected at four intervals namely baseline (BL), exam stress (ES), three and six weeks practice of SK and P during exam stress. Lipid profile and hematological parameters were measured at all four intervals.

RESULTS:ES elevated total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels. Hematological parameters affected by ES included neutrophil, lymphocytes, platelet count, packed cell volume (PCV) and mean cell volume (MCV). Three and six weeks practice of SK and P reduced the elevated lipid profile, hematological parameters and improved lymphocyte levels.

CONCLUSION:Our study indicates that SK and P practice has the potential to overcome ES by improving lipid profile and hematological parameters.

BACKGROUND:Yoga is a science practiced in India over thousands of years. It produces constituent physiological changes and has sound scientific basis.

AIM:Since exam stress modifies lipid profile and hematological parameters, we conducted an investigation on the effect of sudarshan kriya (SK and P) program on these parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:Blood samples of 43 engineering students were collected at four intervals namely baseline (BL), exam stress (ES), three and six weeks practice of SK and P during exam stress. Lipid profile and hematological parameters were measured at all four intervals.

RESULTS:ES elevated total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels. Hematological parameters affected by ES included neutrophil, lymphocytes, platelet count, packed cell volume (PCV) and mean cell volume (MCV). Three and six weeks practice of SK and P reduced the elevated lipid profile, hematological parameters and improved lymphocyte levels.

CONCLUSION:Our study indicates that SK and P practice has the potential to overcome ES by improving lipid profile and hematological parameters.

According to MEDLINE/Pubmed search to December 2009, the modulation effects of meditation on oxidative stress have been increasingly investigated for acute, short and long-term effects. Both invasive and noninvasive measurements have been utilized. Long-term transcendental and Zen meditators have been showed to diminish oxidative stress seen by a reduction of lipid peroxidation and biophoton emission. Glutathione level and activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) have been facilitated in Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya practitioners. One year of Tai Chi training has been reported to promote superoxide dismutase activity and lessen lipid peroxidation. Performing diaphragmatic breathing after exhaustive exercise has attenuated oxidative stress faster than control. These data suggest possible roles of meditation and meditation-based techniques on the decrease of oxidative stress which may assist to prevent and/or alleviate deterioration of related diseases. However, further research needs to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms which remain challenge to accomplish.

According to MEDLINE/Pubmed search to December 2009, the modulation effects of meditation on oxidative stress have been increasingly investigated for acute, short and long-term effects. Both invasive and noninvasive measurements have been utilized. Long-term transcendental and Zen meditators have been showed to diminish oxidative stress seen by a reduction of lipid peroxidation and biophoton emission. Glutathione level and activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) have been facilitated in Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya practitioners. One year of Tai Chi training has been reported to promote superoxide dismutase activity and lessen lipid peroxidation. Performing diaphragmatic breathing after exhaustive exercise has attenuated oxidative stress faster than control. These data suggest possible roles of meditation and meditation-based techniques on the decrease of oxidative stress which may assist to prevent and/or alleviate deterioration of related diseases. However, further research needs to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms which remain challenge to accomplish.

According to MEDLINE/Pubmed search to December 2009, the modulation effects of meditation on oxidative stress have been increasingly investigated for acute, short and long-term effects. Both invasive and noninvasive measurements have been utilized. Long-term transcendental and Zen meditators have been showed to diminish oxidative stress seen by a reduction of lipid peroxidation and biophoton emission. Glutathione level and activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) have been facilitated in Yoga and Sudarshan Kriya practitioners. One year of Tai Chi training has been reported to promote superoxide dismutase activity and lessen lipid peroxidation. Performing diaphragmatic breathing after exhaustive exercise has attenuated oxidative stress faster than control. These data suggest possible roles of meditation and meditation-based techniques on the decrease of oxidative stress which may assist to prevent and/or alleviate deterioration of related diseases. However, further research needs to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms which remain challenge to accomplish.