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THE POWER OF BREATH - HISTORICAL ASPECTS OF PRANAYAM AND ITS RELEVANCE TO MODERN OBSTETRICS AND PEDIATRICS
Journal of Investigative Medicine ; 70(4):1181-1182, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1868776
ABSTRACT
Purpose of Study Today's mechanical ventilators require adjustments of respiratory rate, inspiratory time, expiratory time and tidal volume to maximize O2 delivery and CO2 removal. Pranayam was first recorded about 7000 years ago, and shows similar results to ventilation. Involving conscious inhalation, exhalation and holding of breath, Pranayam is held prominent in the Yoga Sutra (historical authoritative text on Yoga). Pranayam includes three primary principles Puraka, Rechaka and Kumbhaka, and the techniques of Kapalbhati and Bhastrika. Slow breathing stimulates the vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system, easing inhibition of the sympathetic 'fight or flight' response. Pranayam also enhances nitric oxide (NO) production. Recent studies using NO for COVID-19 treatment via inhaler show promising results in shortening the course, symptom severity and resulting damage. When practiced regularly, Pranayam enhances cellular gas exchange, increasing O2 levels and enhancing detox. This study draws parallels between Pranayam and modern ventilation in management of obstetric and pediatric conditions. Methods Used Literature search of ancient Indian texts (Upanishads and Yoga Vasishta, Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutras) and recent publications on modern ventilation and its clinical applications. Summary of Results Several therapies in allopathic medicine show similar principles to Pranayam in prevention and management of ailments. Maximizing O2 delivery and CO2 removal is accomplished through low tidal volumes and high rates in conventional mechanical ventilators, and extremely low tidal volumes in high frequency oscillators and jet ventilators. These can be compared to high frequency breaths in Pranayam with air exchange improvement and positive alteration of acid/base balance, aiming to avoid lung injury from high distending pressures, especially for infants. Ventilatory strategies such as high pressure and low rate also have their equivalent in Pranayam. Conclusions Breath manipulations in modern medicine and the ancient technique of Pranayam have a positive impact on preventing many human ailments, especially in the fields of perinatology and pediatrics. Breathing exercises can prevent anxiety episodes, mountain sickness and asthma exacerbations. They are also taught to expectant mothers to reduce labor pain during contractions. Human trials show increased pulmonary function and endogenous NO by regular practice of these techniques, which have been used as an adjuvant in COVID-19 patient care. These parallels between Pranayam and ventilatory techniques show a synthesis of ancient and modern therapy. (Figure Presented).
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: Journal of Investigative Medicine Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: Journal of Investigative Medicine Year: 2022 Document Type: Article