Yogic Breath and Health

A recent study showed that slow yogic breathing (pranayama) had an immediate effect on blood pressure and heart rate (pulse). Both systolic (the "top" number) and diastolic ("bottom" number) blood pressures decreased significantly after only 5 minutes of pranayama breathing. The scientists also showed that the pranayama breathing practices works with a certain part of the nervous system to bring blood pressure and heart rate to lower, more relaxed levels.

From Karoun Yoga Newsletter #11, 8/24/2009

Reference: Pramanik T et al, Immediate effect of slow pace bhastrika pranayama on blood pressure and heart rate. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 15:3: 293-295, 2009.