Science of Breath-Sudarshan Kriya (SKY)

Introduction:

Scientific studies suggest connections between body and the mind implying that emotional state and thought processes affect brain, endocrine system and also immune system. A new discipline has emerged based on these concepts � called Psychoneuroimmunology or mind-body medicine.

Effect on stress on thoughts and emotions:

Perception of stress leads to restlessness, anxiety, irritability or aggressive behavior and/or a state of panic, in extreme cases, even addiction to tobacco, alcohol and/or drugs. Negative emotions surface in the form of hatred/dislike, jealousy, greed, possessiveness, lust, arrogance and anger.

Further, inter-personal relationships are adversely affected, work out-put decreases and power of concentration wanes. Efficiency goes down and memory weakens. Most of us are afraid to acknowledge our negativity and so we begin finding fault with others. We start complaining, which adds further to our stress; a vicious cycle begins.

Pure Consciousness:

SKY is the process, which remind us of this fact. They are the vehicles, which transport us to our very source of pure consciousness. Stress is perceived, only when our consciousness is flowing outwards, when our mind, senses, and emotions are connected to the outside world, to the environment, and to the events of life. But when the consciousness is turned in-wards; when senses, thoughts and emotions are harmonized with consciousness, we experience 'State of pure consciousness', where there is no stress, one perceives only joy.

It needs to be emphasized that knowledge of this state of pure consciousness at an intellectual level is not enough. One has to experience/realize this state, for it to affect a change at the level of our psyche, thoughts, emotions and body.

Effect of stress on body:

Body too is affected by stress. Pulse increases, heart pounds and we start perspiring & hands become cold and clammy. This is caused by the release of several hormones, chemicals and cytokines from our endocrine glands and immune cells, which are activated in response to the perception of stress.

While the body can adapt to acute stress and does not suffer much damage, exposure or perception of repeated stressful situations (chronic stress) leads to irreversible physiological changes, resulting in diseased states like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, asthma, gastrointestinal ulcers, viral infections, migraine/non-specific headaches etc.

Subjective responses to SKY:

Those practicing SKY on regular basis claim that their negative emotions gradually turns to positive ones, unnecessary thoughts begin to vanish from mind, and the body begins to look and feel younger and healthier. As doctors and scientists however we were not willing to accepts these claims at face value. For this reason research was initiated by seven departments at AIIMS, NIMHANS, Bangalore and by Bangalore Medical College.

Process to counter stress:

Over the centuries, many Sages and Rishis recommended the practice of yoga, meditation and Pranayam to prevent or alter our reactions to stress. More recently, Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) has been introduced by Sadguru Sri Sri Ravisankar ji. These are the processes which not only affect the mind and body, but take us beyond, towards the very source of our mind, body and emotions-consciousness.

Pranayam is an ancient wisdom. It directs or regulates our 'prana' - subtle life force energy, the very essence of our life. It's regular practice activates and harmonizes many biological rhythms including brain rhythm, heart beat, enzyme rhythm and mental and emotional rhythm.

Sudarshan Kriya is a rhythmic breathing process. Three different rhythms in a cyclical fashion are introduced to participants through Art of Living (AOL) workshops of 22-24 hours spread over six days.

According to Sri Sri Ravisankar:
"Breath and mind are linked like body and mind. Breath sorts out the imbalances in the mind and the body. It's the secret of life, we have forgotten".

Research at AIIMS:

We figured that if in need there are two states of consciousness, one flowing outwards connected to outside world and another flowing inwards which harmonized the body thoughts and emotions, then the body physiology in these states must differ. Therefore, we studied physiological and biochemical parameters related to the brain, endocrine system, immune system and the body's other defensive mechanisms before and after SKY to see not only the immediate changes, but also the long term effects on body and mind.

Electroencephalogram (EEG):

EEG changes were recorded on 19 Sudarshan Kriya practitioners and compared with 15 controls (doctors and researchers from within AIIMS not practicing SKY, yoga or meditation), to study the long term effects of SKY.

Significant increase in beta-activity was observed in the left frontal occipital and midline regions among Sudarshan Kriya practitioners compared to controls (p <0.05). Neurologists interpreted these findings as indicative of heightened alertness.

EEG in 5 AOL female practitioners in the age group 35 - 45 with similar socio economic and educational background was studied during SKY. Increase in alpha activity was demonstrable in both the hemispheres with interspersed persistence of beta activity. This indicated a state of relaxed alertness.

Effect on stress hormone-Cortisol:

That SK & P indeed leads to relaxation, was confirmed further by the measurement of blood Cortisol (a hormone known as stress hormone) in 21 healthy individuals in 35-50 years of age. Results were compared among regular AOL practitioners vs. beginners and also among beginners during SKY vs. listening to classical music. AOL regular practitioners had lower blood Cortisol level at the base line indicating that they are less stressed when compared to beginners, there was further fall during Kriya suggesting that SKY needs to be practiced regularly to maintain relaxed state of mind. Among beginners, fall was greater during SKY as compared to when they were listening to music, confirming that SKY was indeed more relaxing than listening to classical music.

Blood Lactate:

Blood lactate is another chemical, which increases during stress. Those undergoing police training are a highly stressed group as they undergo intense physical training on a daily basis. Blood lactate was measured in 10 such individuals before and after SK &P. There was a marked fall confirming that SK & P induced a state of relaxation.

Effect on immune system:

Effect of SKY was studied on our immune system, the system which protects us from disease. Natural killer (NK) cells are surveillance cells of immune system and are capable of destroying tumor cells as well as infected cells. These were enumerated in the peripheral blood (PB) of AOL practitioners, normal individuals not practicing SK & P and cancer patients. NK cells were found to be significantly higher (P <0.001) style=""> Cancer patients were then subjected to AOL workshop, over three to six months of regular practice of SKY, they demonstrated an increase in NK cells. This study is yet an ongoing one, and definite conclusions are awaited.

Antioxidant enzymes:

The body is repeatedly exposed to chemicals and pollutants in the environment due to which free radicals are generated. These react with oxygen and cause oxidant damage leading to several diseases including cancer. To counteract these out body has a defensive system in the form of antioxidant enzymes.

Studies carried out at AIIMS as well as Bangalore Medical College have indicated an increase in antioxidant enzymes after (P <0.05)>

Effect on blood cholesterol:

Studies conducted at the Bangalore Medical College demonstrated a significant fall in serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, as well as an increase in HDL cholesterol. This would make SK & P a tool for prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD).

LDL cholesterol as well as an increase in HDL cholesterol. This would make SK & P a tool for prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Effect on depression:

NIMHANS of Bangalore recorded a 70% cure in individuals suffering from depression. SK & P were as effective as drugs without any side effects. This was also both cost effective and self empowering. Following SKY, brain wave patterns were found to normalize and serum prolactin increased.

Conclusion:

With the regular practice of SKY, one experiences flow of positive emotions, replacing anger, frustrations and jealousy. The body feels younger and healthier and the mind feels calmer. EEG, blood cortisol and blood lactate levels reflect a state of relaxation, yet alertness. Increase in NK cells and antioxidant enzymes suggests that regular practice might prevent many diseases including infections and possibly even cancer. Fall in cholesterol may prevent cardiac disease and depression is cured in 70% of cases. Thus, even though further studies are needed, available data so far serves to validate the subjective claims of a healthier body, calmer mind, and balanced emotions.

Published Research Papers:

1. Naga Venkatesha Murthy PJ, Janakiramaiah N, Gangadhar BN, et al: P300 amplitude and antidepressant response to Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY). J Affect Disord 50(1):45-8, 1998. A small open pilot study found that SKY significantly improved depression in 15 patients with dysthymia and 15 with major depression.

2. Janakiramaiah N, Gangadhar BN, Naga Venkatesha Murthy PJ, et al: Therapeutic efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya yoga (SKY) in dysthymic disorder. NIMHANS Journal 1998;21-8. An open study of 46 patients with dysthymia (mean illness duration 3.15 years) showed significant improvement on Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Clinical Global Impression scales 1 and 3 months after SKY breath training. Among the 37 patients who completed the program, 67.5% achieved remission. After SKY training, small but significant prolactin elevation occurred.

3. Janakiramaiah N, Gangadhar BN, Naga Venkatesha Murthy PJ, et al: Antidepressant efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya yoga (SKY) in melancholia: a randomized comparison with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and imipramine. J Affect Disord 2000;57(1-3):255-9. In a randomized, controlled study, 45 hospitalized patients with severe melancholic depression were divided into three groups. The first group received bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) three times a week for 4 weeks. The medication group took an antidepressant, imipramine 150 mg at night. The third group received training in SKY yoga breathing only. At the time of admission, all patients scored 17 or higher on the 17-item HRSD. In fact, the mean scores were quite high for each group: ECT = 26.7 + 5.0; imipramine = 22.7 + 5.7; SKY = 25.1 + 6.5. SKY was as effective as imipramine and almost as effective as ECT, as shown by reductions in BDI and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) total scores. Remission was defined as HRSD <>

4. Vedamurthachar A, Janakiramaiah N, Hegde JM, Shetty TK, Subbakrishna DK, Sureshbabu SV, Gangadhar BN: Antidepressant efficacy and hormonal effects of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) in alcohol dependent individuals. J Affect Disord. 2006 Aug; 94(1-3):249-53. In a 3-week study of hospitalized alcohol dependent patients, those treated with SKY plus standard treatment had greater reductions in depression, anxiety and cortisol than patients given standard treatment and rehabilitation

5. Bhatia M, Kumar A, Kumar N, et al: Electrophysiologic evaluation of Sudarshan Kriya: an EEG, BAER, P300 study. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2003. 47(2):157-136 A significant increase in beta-1 and beta-2 activity in the left frontal, midline and parieto-occipital regions was noted on EEGs of 19 regular SKY practitioners at rest when compared with 15 healthy age-matched controls. No significant differences were found on the BAER or P300 latency measures. An increase in beta frequency activity in these areas has been associated with attentive information processing

6. Sharma H, Sen S, Singh A, et al: Sudarshan kriya practitioners exhibit better antioxidant status and lower blood lactate levels. Biol Psychol. 2003. 63: 281-291. In study of the indicators of stress took baseline measures of antioxidants superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase, glutathione, and blood lactate levels in healthy males from the Police Training Academy (PTA) in Delhi, India. Ten trainees practiced SKY for 5 months, while a matched comparison group of PTA trainees did not. At the end of 5 months, those who had practiced SKY showed statistically significant improvements in all stress indicators compared to the control group.

7. Sageman S: Breaking through the despair: spiritually oriented group therapy as a means of healing women with severe mental illness. J Am Acad Psychoanal Dyn Psychiatry 32(1):125-41, 2004. Dr. Sageman introduced ujjayi breathing to a therapy group for women with severe chronic mental illness, predominantly schizophrenia. Most were Latino or African Americans living below the poverty line with histories of abuse, childhood trauma, and repeated psychiatric hospitalizations. The patients learned ujjayi quickly and responded with rapid improvement in mood, energy, and attention. Schizophrenic patients may benefit from modified nonstimulating yoga techniques in a supportive setting with skilled mental health professionals.

8. Gerbarg PL and Brown RP: Yoga: a breath of relief for Hurricane Katrina refugees. Current Psychiatry. 4(10): 55-67, Oct 2005.

9. Sageman S and Brown R: Free at Last, in DSM-IV-TR Case Book Volume 2, edited by R.L. Spitzer, M.B. First, J.B.W.Williams, M. Gibbon. American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. Washington, DC. 2006. pp.109-121. This chapter describes the use of natural and conventional treatments in a complex case with multiple psychiatric diagnoses. Sudarshan Kriya yoga breathing provided the patient with a means of self-soothing that increased her resilience so that she no longer became despondent when confronted by painful reminders of past trauma. SKY was credited with breaking the link between past trauma and negative emotions.

10. Brazier A, Mulkins A, Verhoef M: Am J Health Promot. 2006 Jan-Feb;20(3):192-5. Evaluating a yogic breathing and meditation intervention for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. A randomized controlled trial was used to assess the effects of a SKY program on 47 individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Positive changes in well-being on the Mental Health Index (MHI) and the MOS-HIV Health Survey (MOS) were primarily seen immediately following the program and disappeared at later data points. The Daily Stress Inventory (DSI), indicated an increase in experience and impact of stress over time for the intervention group after the program. However, qualitative interviews described positive changes in how participants were living their day-to-day lives. The mixed results of this study may reflect the need for longer follow-up interventions to maintain the gains in a population suffering the severe stresses associated with HIV.

11. Gerbarg PL: Yoga and Psychoanalysis, chapter in Bodies in Treatment: The Unspoken Dimension, edited by F. S. Anderson. The Analytic Press, Inc. Hillsdale, NJ. 2007 (in press). Through the presentation of a complex case, Dr. Gerbarg discusses neuro-psychoanalytic research and theory in light of the observed effects of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga on the progress of a psychoanalytic treatment. This provides material for an evolving integrative model.

12. For more detail visit: http://www.aolresearch.org/
    

In North America, those interested in conducting or collaborating on research should email researchcommittee@artofliving.org