Sudarshan Kriya Experiences. 20 kgs Dropped and Life is Amazing!! Thanks to Sudarshan Kriya! Khurshed Batliwala by Sudarshan Kriya. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga Balances Responsibilities. The commitment should be to do 40 days without missing a day, 31 minutes each day. To do the Perfect and complete kriya and thus extract the maximum benefit and reach super human caliber, the requirement is to do 62 minutes per day and build it up to 2 1/2 hours everyday. SodarshanChakra Kriya also improves your physical wellbeing. They were around 40 and we were three. Some looked menacing, others disenchanted, a few enveloped by ennui. But in our arsenal was the potent cassette of Sudarshan Kriya and enveloped with the.

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Apr 5, 9:20 pm IST Physicians and Healthcare workers of America A conversation with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar; Apr 19, 11:40 am IST Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India A conversation with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar; May 8, 6:46 pm IST Health And It’s Spiritual Dimension A conversation with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi. The commitment should be to do 40 days without missing a day, 31 minutes each day. To do the Perfect and complete kriya and thus extract the maximum benefit and reach super human caliber, the requirement is to do 62 minutes per day and build it up to 2 1/2 hours everyday. SodarshanChakra Kriya also improves your physical wellbeing.

Abstract

Background:

The aim of this study was to observe the effect comprehensive yogic breathing (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga [SKY] and Pranayam) had on cardiac autonomic functions in patients with diabetes.

Materials and Methods:

This is a prospective randomized controlled intervention trial. Cardiac autonomic functions were assessed in 64 diabetics. Patients were randomized into two groups, one group receiving standard therapy for diabetes and the other group receiving standard therapy for diabetes and comprehensive yogic breathing program. Standard therapy included dietary advice, brisk walking for 45 min daily, and administration of oral antidiabetic drugs. Comprehensive yogic breathing program was introduced to the participants through a course of 12 h spread over 3 days. It was an interactive session in which SKY, a rhythmic cyclical breathing, preceded by Pranayam is taught under the guidance of a certified teacher. Cardiac autonomic function tests were done before and after 6 months of intervention.

Results:

In the intervention group, after practicing the breathing techniques for 6 months, the improvement in sympathetic functions was statistically significant (P 0.04). The change in sympathetic functions in the standard therapy group was not significant (P 0.75). Parasympathetic functions did not show any significant change in either group. When both parasympathetic and sympathetic cardiac autonomic functions were considered, there was a trend toward improvement in patients following comprehensive yogic breathing program (P 0.06). In the standard therapy group, no change in cardiac autonomic functions was noted (P 0.99).

Conclusion:

Cardiac autonomic functions improved in patients with diabetes on standard treatment who followed the comprehensive yogic breathing program compared to patients who were on standard therapy alone.

INTRODUCTION

Although there is a vast literature on the health benefits of yoga, only a small section is devoted to its effects on diabetes. A few clinical trials suggest that yoga can improve glycemic control.[1,5] Yoga therapy has been associated with a multitude of benefits and few adverse effects according to a recent systematic review of the effects of yoga on physiological and clinical risk factors in adults with diabetes.[] Most studies have not been performed under rigorous scientific conditions including use of randomized control design. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) has shown to have a beneficial effect on glycemic control and lipid parameters in diabetes.[1]

Yogic breathing techniques have shown to have a beneficial effect on autonomic neuropathy.[,] There are no studies of effect of SKY on autonomic neuropathy.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of comprehensive yogic breathing program (Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayam) on cardiac autonomic functions in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Previous studies suggested that SKY may be useful in glycemic control in patients with diabetes.[1] There was a significant decrease in the fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides after practice of comprehensive yogic breathing for 4 months in patients with diabetes.[1] This finding suggests a promising potential for comprehensive yogic breathing as a complementary therapy in diabetes.

Yoga can be easily learned and practiced at any time on an individual basis, thus reducing common barriers to physical activity such as time conflicts and poor weather. Regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya has been found to be useful in improving the quality of life in patients with diabetes.[] Yoga has been studied for controlling both the symptoms and the complications associated with diabetes mellitus.[,16]

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a randomized controlled intervention trial. A total of 112 patients were told about the study and 64 patients gave an informed consent. A total of 64 patients attending the endocrine clinic of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, during the period from March 2009 to August 2011, who were having HbA1c between 6% and 9%, following lifestyle modification (diabetic diet and brisk walking for 45 minutes per day) and on same dose of oral hypoglycemic agents for the past 6 months or more were included in the study.

All patients underwent a fundus examination and intraocular pressure testing before the autonomic function tests and patients with diabetic retinopathy, degenerative retinopathy, and glaucoma were excluded. Patients having uncontrolled hypertension, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, diabetes type-1, coronary artery disease, overt nephropathy, and overt complications of diabetes were excluded.

This study was approved by the Institute Ethics committee. Patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were told about the study and informed consent was taken from subjects who agreed to participate in the study.

Randomization was done by computer-generated numbers using the n Query advisor program. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: (1) The group which followed only the standard therapy for diabetes (Standard group). This group had 28 patients. The standard therapy included dietary advice, brisk walking for 45 minutes daily and oral antidiabetic drugs. (2) The other group (SKY group) underwent a comprehensive yogic breathing program in which they were taught SKY and Pranayam. This group continued the standard therapy as well. This group had 36 patients.

SKY is a breathing technique,[,] The process is introduced to the participants through a 22-24 h structured program called the art of living workshop spread out over 6 days. It can also be taught in a short course of 12 h over 3 days. This short course was used in the present study. Sudarshan Kriya is a rhythmic cyclic breathing of slow, medium, and fast cycles done 3 times in a count of 20, 40, 40 respectively. It is preceded by a 3-stage Pranayam in Ujjayi breath, Bhastrika: Rapid inhalation and exhalation; and brief chanting. These processes are practiced while sitting with the eyes closed and the awareness focused on breathing. This process ends with rest in a tranquil supine position.

It has to be learnt under guidance of a certified teacher. This course includes yogic movements and postures (asanas), relaxation practices, meditation, group processes, and discussion of stress-relieving principles.

Comprehensive yogic breathing program was a 3-day 12 h course in which the breathing techniques were taught. The group undergoing yogic breathing training was told to practice it every day and to attend weekly follow-up at the assigned centers. They were asked to fill a follow-up diary, in which they were marking the days on which they did breathing techniques at home and got it countersigned by a relative or attendant daily and by the yoga teacher each time they attended the weekly follow-up.

Patients underwent fasting plasma glucose (FBS), post prandial plasma glucose (PPBS), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) at baseline and 3 and 6 months post randomization. Cardiac autonomic Function Tests (CAFT) were done at baseline and 6 months.

All 64 patients underwent standard battery of tests to assess cardiac autonomic function. Patients were told not to smoke and not to have coffee or tea 2 h before the test.

Cardiac autonomic functions were assessed by the following cardiac autonomic function tests[19]

1. Deep breathing test: The patient sat quietly and was instructed to breath smoothly, slowly, and deeply at 6 breath/min. (5 seconds inspiration and 5 seconds expiration), a rate which produces maximum variation of heart rate. Heart rate was measured from electrocardiogram Delta heart rate was the difference between maximal and minimal heart rate during inspiration and expiration, averaged for 6 cycles. E: I ratio was the ratio of longest distance between two r waves (R-R interval) and shortest R-R interval, averaged over 6 cycles.

2. Valsalva maneuver: The subject sat quietly and blew into a mouth piece attached to a sphygmomanometer generating a pressure of 40 mm Hg for 15 s. At the end of 15 s, the pressure was released. Due care was taken to prevent deep breathing before and after the maneuver. Valsalva ratio was calculated from longest the R-R interval during phase IV to the shortest R-R interval during phaseII.

3. Sustained handgrip test: The baseline blood pressure (BP) was recorded in the subject. Then, the patients were asked to grip the handgrip dynamometer using maximum force with their dominant hands for a few seconds. The value was noted down and the procedure was repeated thrice. The maximum value of the 3 readings was considered as their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). A mark was made on the dynamometer at 30% of MVC of the subject. The patient was then instructed that he/she had to maintain the grip on the dynamometer up to the mark for 4 min. After the patient had started, the BP was measured on the contra-lateral arm at 1^st, 2^nd, and 4^th min. It was calculated by subtracting from their highest diastolic BP during the test to the baseline diastolic BP.

4. Cold pressor test: The baseline BP of the subject was recorded. The subjects were advised to immerse their hand in cold water of temperature 10°C up to the wrist for 1 min. The BP was taken just before the hand was taken out of the water. It was calculated by subtracting from the highest diastolic BP during the test to the baseline diastolic BP.

5. Lying to standing test: This test was conducted after 10 min of supine rest. Then the patient was told to stand within 3 s and BP and heart rate were recorded at baseline and at 2^nd min. 30:15 ratios were calculated as the ratio between longest R-R at or around the 30^th beat and shortest R-R at or around the 15^th beat.

A few patients could not perform all the tests of cardiac autonomic function. Pre- and post-intervention heart rate changes during deep breath, 30:15 ratio, and E: I ratio were done in 60 subjects. Valsalva ratio could be done for 47 and 48 patients pre- and post-intervention. Sustained hand grip could be done for 59 patients pre- and post- intervention. Similarly, 58 and 59 subjects were able to perform cold presser test pre- and post-intervention respectively. Postural drop in systolic BP was done in 59 and 56 patients pre- and post-intervention.

Criteria for labeling patients with autonomic dysfunction

Criteria for normalcy were heart rate variation during deep breathing ≥15 beats/min, deep breathing expiratory to inspiratory R-R ratio ≥1.21, Valsalva ratio ≥1.21, sustained handgrip test ≥16 mm of mercury, cold pressor test ≥10, BP response to standing ≤10 mm of mercury, and 30:15 ratio R-R ratio on standing ≥1.04. An abnormal test was defined as the above parameters being <10 beats/min <1.21, <1.21, ≤10 mm of mercury, <10, ≥30 mm of mercury, and ≤1.0 respectively.[]

Heart rate changes during deep breath test, E: I ratio, abnormal 30:15 beat ratio were taken as tests of parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) reactivity.

Maximum increase in BP during sustained hand grip, cold pressor test and postural drop in BP after 2 min of standing were taken as tests of sympathetic nervous system (SNS).

Patients were defined as having abnormality of PNS alone if ≥1 of the above 3 tests was abnormal, while rest of the tests were normal. Patients were defined as having abnormality of SNS alone I if ≥1 of above 3 tests was abnormal, while rest of the tests were normal. Valsalva ratio abnormality was taken as a test of combined (PNS and SNS) dysfunction.[]

Patients were defined as having dysfunction of both PNS and SNS[] if:

1. Valsalva ratio was abnormal.

2. The result of any test of PNS test was abnormal and that any test of SNS was borderline.

3. The result of any test of PNS and SNS was abnormal.

Patients were defined as having borderline dysfunction if both or either SNS or PNS revealed borderline abnormality and all other tests including Valsalva ratio were normal.

Statistics

Statistical analysis was done using Stata 11.1 for WINDOWS (Stata corp. 4905 Lakeway drive, college station, Texas 77845, USA). Data were presented as mean ± SD. Exact test for symmetry was applied for the distribution of autonomic dysfunction categories between two groups of patients. The distribution of clinical and biochemical parameters between the two groups was compared using one-way ANOVA as appropriate. Difference was considered significant at 2-tailed P value of ≤0.05.

RESULTS

The age of patients ranged from 35 to 72 years with a mean age of 48 ± 2.2. The mean age of patients in the SKY group was 49.25 ± 10.02 years and in the standard group was 47.53 ± 11.41 years. In SKY group, the mean duration of diabetes was 52.13 ± 43.35 months and in Standard therapy group, it was 42.07 ± 32.35 months (P = 0.30). Pre-intervention mean body mass index (BMI) for SKY group and standard therapy group were 25.05 ± 4.09 kg/cm² and 27.2 ± 3.42 kg/cm² (P = 0.03).

The change in glycemic control in the two groups post- and pre-intervention was comparable [Table 1]. When the individual tests were compared, P values were not significant.

Table 1

Change in parameters of glycemic control in both groups

Considering the results of the tests of the sympathetic cardiac autonomic functions [Table 2] in the group practicing breathing techniques, the sympathetic functions improved. In the SKY group, 24 patients and in the standard therapy group, 17 patients underwent the tests for sympathetic cardiac autonomic function. In the SKY group, out of 18 patients with abnormal sympathetic cardiac autonomic function tests pre-intervention, 6 (1 + 5) patients improved after practicing breathing techniques for 6 months. This improvement in sympathetic functions was statistically significant (P 0.04). The change in sympathetic functions in the standard therapy group was not significant (P 0.75).

Table 2

Change in sympathetic cardiac autonomic functions in both groups

Thirty-three patients in the SKY group and 24 patients in the standard therapy group were able to perform the tests of parasympathetic CAFT. In the SKY group, out of 9 patients with abnormal parasympathetic cardiac autonomic function tests pre-intervention, 6 improved post-intervention. The change in parasympathetic CAFT in the SKY group was not significant (P 0.46). In the standard therapy group out of 8 patients with abnormal parasympathetic cardiac autonomic functions pre-intervention, 5 improved post-intervention. This change was also not significant (P 0.70).

Table 3 shows the changes in cardiac autonomic function tests in the SKY group. In the SKY group, out of 23 patients pre-intervention, none had normal cardiac autonomic function test, but after practicing breathing techniques, 5 patients improved to normal cardiac autonomic functions. When both PNS and SNS functions were considered (P 0.06), the pattern of change is toward improvement in the group following the comprehensive yogic breathing program.

Table 3

Changes in cardiac autonomic function tests in Sudarshan Kriya Yoga group

In the Standard therapy group, 1 patient who had normal CAFT progressed to borderline dysfunction. In Standard therapy group, out of 19 patients, none had normal CAFT after 6 months. Table 4 shows that the change in standard therapy group is not significant (P 0.99).

Table 4

Changes in cardiac autonomic function tests in standard therapy group

DISCUSSION

Yoga is practiced worldwide for its health benefits, including physical fitness, relaxation, and awareness of self. There are few studies which show the beneficial effects of Yoga on diabetes[1,] In the study by Agte and Tarwadi, FBS was significantly lowered from 144 mg/dl to 119 mg/dl (t = 3.72, P < 0.001) after practice of SKY for 4 months,[1] though the change in HbA1c was not statistically significant. In another study, changes in blood glucose and glucose tolerance by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after 40 days of yoga therapy in 149 non-insulin-dependent diabetics were investigated.[] The response to yoga in these subjects was categorized according to a severity scale index based on area index total under the OGTT curve. One hundred and four patients showed a fair to good response to the yoga therapy.

In a randomized controlled trial, there was a small fall in HbA1c in the yoga group (29 type 2 diabetic patients) which was not sustained 6 months later.[]

Ours was a randomized control study. There were 28 patients in the Standard therapy group and 36 patients in SKY group. The change in HbA1c between the two groups pre-intervention was − 069 ± 1.53 and post-intervention was − 0.39 ± 1.37 (P = 0.90). There was no significant change in glycemic parameters between the two groups after randomization.

SKY and Pranayam have shown to have beneficial effects on diabetes and quality of life in these patients. In an open preliminary study, there was a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides after the practice of SKY for 4 months.[1] In another randomized controlled intervention trial after practice of SKY for 3 months, there was a significant improvement in the quality of life in the group practicing SKY in addition to standard treatment of diabetes compared with the group that was following the standard treatment alone.[]

Autonomic neuropathy is associated with a lot of morbidity and mortality like sudden cardiac death in diabetes. Once autonomic neuropathy sets in, the treatment is basically symptomatic. Few studies have shown beneficial effects of Yoga on autonomic functions.[,] Unilateral forced breathing techniques have been shown to have beneficial effect on autonomic abnormalities.[] Khanam et al.[] have shown reduction in sympathetic reactivity and no effect on parasympathetic reactivity following comprehensive yogic lifestyle change program in patients with asthma. There was improvement in pulmonary ventilation by way of relaxation of voluntary inspiratory and expiratory muscles reflected in improvement in forced expiratory volume and peek expiratory flow rate. Yogic breathing has shown to have a beneficial effect on essential hypertension.[] Three months of Pranayam training in young volunteers was associated with blunted sympathetic and enhanced parasympathetic activity.[] Taneja et al.[] also showed the beneficial effect of yoga on diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Yoga has been shown to have a role as adjuvant therapy in the management of autonomic dysfunction in patients with refractory epilepsy.[] A recent study has shown yoga to have a positive effect on Heart rate variability.[] Yoga has found to be beneficial in modifying cardiovascular functions in diabetics.[]

We have conducted a randomized trial in which cardiac autonomic function tests were done pre- and post-intervention. In the SKY group, the sympathetic functions improved significantly (P 0.04). The change in sympathetic functions in the standard therapy group was not significant (P 0.75). Parasympathetic functions did not show any significant change in either group. When the changes in both sympathetic and parasympathetic functions were assessed together, patients in the comprehensive yogic breathing group had shown improvement in their cardiac autonomic function tests (P 0.06) as compared to the Standard group (P 0.99). This improvement was independent of glycemic control.

The strength of our study is that it is the first randomized control trial to see the effect of comprehensive yogic breathing in improving cardiac autonomic functions in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. Since compliance was a major factor, we selected patients from near by who consented for follow-up. We ensured compliance by providing them a follow-up diary. They had to get the diary signed daily by a relative after finishing the short yogic breathing exercise at home. Their diary was reviewed weekly by yoga instructor at the weekly follow-up center.

The limitation of our study is that the sample size was small. Therefore, to confirm the benefit, a larger sample size needs to be studied. Secondly, at baseline, the BMI in the two groups was not comparable which could also affect the analysis.

If we can find a technique which can prevent or slow down the progress of cardiac autonomic dysfunctions, it would be very beneficial not only in diabetic autonomic neuropathy but also in other diseases which involve derangement of autonomic function. Since in this study, comprehensive yogic breathing program has shown a role in delaying progression of cardiac autonomic dysfunctions in patients with diabetes mellitus, it holds promise and needs to be further studied.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac autonomic functions improved in patients with diabetes on standard treatment who followed the comprehensive yogic breathing program compared to patients who were on standard therapy alone.

The sympathetic functions improved in the patients of SKY group which is statistically significant (P 0.04) as compared to Standard therapy group (P 0.75). This improvement was independent of the glycemic control. When both parasympathetic and sympathetic cardiac autonomic function tests were considered, there was a pattern of improvement in the group following the comprehensive yogic breathing program (P 0.06).

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This work was funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi. Trial registration Number: CTRI/2009/091/000226

Footnotes

Source of Support: This work was funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi. Trial Registration number: CTRI/2009/091/000226

Conflict of Interest: None declared

REFERENCES

The Yoga Sutras, Patanjali’s seminal text on Yoga, starts off with this succinct definition.

Yogah Chitta Vritti Nirodhah (Sanskrit)

Yoga is the removal of the fluctuations of the mind

Often at the end, of a yoga class we may experience some meditative rest. But we can easily miss that the aim of yoga is not just great abs, butt, or even health benefits, but the stillness of the mind.

Why this emphasis on the mind?

It is quite simple. Our mind determines our reality. The quality of our mind determines the quality of our life. Imagine for a moment, lying on a beautiful beach, in a luxury resort. All the external circumstances are perfect. Yet, you just had a fight with a loved one and your mind is in complete agitation. Will you be happy?

On the other hand, the external circumstances could be miserable. You are out camping, with little luxury, you’ve been rained on, you’re soaking wet. Yet, you’re with friends, singing, your mind is joyful; you are at peace.

In the business and busy-ness of life, we often miss this simple truth. We rush into the yoga class, the asanas feel good and the sweat drips onto the mat. We wonder about the teacher. We check out the other students. The mind jumps from one thought to another. This posture is too long, the body hurts. One moment you may think, ‘I am doing this posture well’. And the next thought arises, ‘Is anyone looking?’ And finally, the 40 minute session is over. Mats sprayed, cleaned rolled up, blocks set aside, we run to the next life event. A thought passes sometime; yes it would be nice to meditate. Daily. But more often than not it is a fantasy, something to happen in the future.

Some of us try to meditate and either quickly give up, or continue shopping for the perfect fit. Most of us don’t even try.

Patanjali says, the mind is managed by practice. What kind of practice? One that is done with sincerity, continuously and without break for a long period of time.

This is like being in a meditation Catch-22. To sit in meditation would still the mind, but the mind needs to be still and sit for meditation. A rushing mind could not create that space, and time, to sit and when it sits, it could not do so for long. Sometimes it is even more difficult when practicing alone. Here is where a technique like Sudarshan Kriya® comes and swoops you effortlessly, reminding us once more, about the power of breath.

What is Sudarshan Kriya®?

Sudarshan Kriya® incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath which harmonize the body, mind and emotions. This unique breathing technique eliminates stress, fatigue and negative emotions such as anger, frustration and depression, leaving you calm yet energized, focused yet relaxed.

Breath is a severely under-utilized yogic tool in mainstream yoga in the US. Other than generic instructions to keep breathing or breathe-in, breathe-out, there is very little about the breath in a typical yoga class. Some advanced yogis have learned certain pranayamas (controlled breathing), but rarely are these a part of daily practice.

Breath has a remarkable link to the mind and emotions. You will notice that every emotion we exhibit has a different breathing pattern. How is your breath when you are scared? It will usually be short and shallow. What about when you’re sitting near a waterfall? When you are angry?

Just as emotions influence breath. Breath can influence the mind and emotions. The Sudarshan Kriya practice has become an invaluable technique in my daily practice. It is a powerful rhythmic breathing pattern that automatically brings the mind to a meditative state.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/F4S_4jX0ERA” width=”700″]

We are lucky that the cognizer of this technique, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a preeminent authority on Meditation and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, will present a special session at the Get Happy Seattle program on July 7^th and 8^th at the Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a humanitarian leader, a spiritual teacher, and an ambassador of peace. His vision of a stress-free, violence-free society has united millions of people the world over through service projects and the courses of The Art of Living.

This two day immersive experience includes:

• Special session with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
• An experience of Sudarshan Kriya® – a powerful breathing technique
• Guided Meditations to reduce stress
• Wisdom to handle your mind and emotions
• Pranayama
• Expert instructors from the Art of Living Foundation (AOLF)

Just breathe, Unplug, Tune In, Get Real, and Get Happy!

It’s an incredible event to be with and learn from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Do not miss it. For anyone, it is the next step on the path of Yoga.Tickets are only $95 for the Get Happy two-day immersion.

Co-written with Ashwini Iyer.

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