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Chetan'Dadaji'Kelkar'et'al'/'Int.'J.'Res.'Ayurveda'Pharm.'12'(1),'2021'
59#
Research(Article(
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EFFECT OF BHASTRIKA PRANAYAMA ON “SHWASAN KARMA”
Chetan Dadaji Kelkar 1, Pawan Sheshrao Lekurwale 2*, Pravin Ramraoji Kherde 3, Deepak Madanmohan Vyas 4,
Suchita Gopalrao Shrikhande 5
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, L N Ayurved College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
2 Professor, Department of Kaya Chikitsa, L N Ayurved College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
3 Professor, Department of Rog Nidana – Vikruti Vigyan, L N Ayurved College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
4 Associate Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, L N Ayurved college, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
5 PG Scholar, Department of Kriya Sharir, BMAM, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Received on: 23/11/20 Accepted on: 05/01/21
*Corresponding author
E-mail: pawanayu2013@gmail.com
DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.120114
ABSTRACT
Pranayama is a breathing technique that produces many systemic and psychological effects in the body, specifically on the respiratory system. It is also
an art to control the life force of breath. The aim and objective are to assess effect of breathing exercise i.e., Bhastrika Pranayama on ‘Shwasan Karma’,
in individuals practicing regularly for continuous 12 weeks. This study was designed to study the effects of Pranayama on the pulmonary function
parameters. Pranayama is one of the best lifestyle modifications which have ever been devised in the history of mankind. It is an ancient yoga technique,
a spiritual and physical practice which integrates the mind and body. Pranayama is a type of yogic practice which produces many systemic psycho-
physical effects in the body, besides its specific effects on the respiratory functions. The study group consisted of 32 volunteers. The participants were
asked to undergo Pranayama training for 30 min daily, for 3 months. The results showed statistically significant improvement in FVC, FEV1, PEFR,
MVV after pranayama. After analysing statistically results showed that, Shwasan Karma was significantly improved in individuals practicing Bhastrika
Pranayama.
Keywords: Bhastrika pranayama, FVC, FEV1, PEFR, MVV.
INTRODUCTION
Yoga is a science which has been practised in India from over
thousands of years. Besides the spiritual achievements, the
practice of Yoga is accompanied by a number of beneficial
physiological effects in the body. Yoga and health go hand in
hand. Yoga calms and relaxes the mind and it strengthens and
tunes the body and brings them into harmony with each another.
Pranayama is an art of controlling the life force of breath. It
produces many systemic psycho-physical effects in the body,
besides its specific effects on the respiratory functions.
In a present condition due to polluted air, many people are
susceptible to different types of diseases in which Pranayama
plays an important role to prevent and cure most of diseases.
Various disorders are developed due to polluted air, to counter
attack it Ayurveda has advised Pranayama as a mode of treatment.
In Yogic science Pranayama is termed as an important Shuddhi
Prakriya which is beneficial for the better functioning of Shwasan
Sansthan. The functions of Shwasan Sansthan particularly
Shwasan Karma is improved in persons suffering from
respiratory disorders and even in normal healthy persons.
Pranayama practices can be used as psycho-physiological stimuli
to increase endogenous secretion of melatonin, which in turn,
might be responsible for improved feeling of wellbeing.
Pranayama is the best procedure for proper breathing and control
over mind, as stated by various Acharyas.
“When the breath wonders, the mind is unsteady but when the
breath is still, so mind still.”- Hathyog Pradipika.
According to an estimate our lungs take in 180-200 cubic inches
of air. When a healthy man inhales, he takes in 30 cubic inches
air and exhale the same amount. This is clear that around 150
cubic inches remains in the lungs all the time1. During long deep
breath the person can inhale and exhale up to 100 cubic inches of
air. Due to Pranayama, major part of the air present in the lungs
active in the breathing cycle. If the residual air in the lungs gets
purified, the food is digested properly, the body organs become
strong and the body as a whole in cleaned.
Here it needs to be mentioned that short, incomplete and shallow
respiration is generally fast and the person with fast rate of
breathing does not live longer. The longer (deeper the breath) the
breathing cycle and slower the rate of breathing, the longer is the
life. This is the secret behind the long life of tortoise, which lives
up to 200 years or even more. It takes three to five breaths in a
minute. Pigeon, pigs and other animals takes 34-37 breaths per
minute and live 10 to 12 years. Human takes 15 breaths in a
minute and by practicing Pranayama they can increase the life
span.
In the present study an attempt has been made to assess Shwasan
Karma in individuals who are regular practicing Bhastrika
Pranayama. There is a lot of literature available about ‘Yoga’
specially ‘Pranayama’ and its marvel effects, but criteria for its
analysis is lacking. Specific values obtained by Spirometry (PFT)
i.e., FVC (Forced Vital Capacity), FEV1 (Forced Expiratory
Volume in one second), PEFR (Peak Expiratory Flow Rate) and
MVV (Maximum Voluntary Volume) which assess the effect of
Bhastrika Pranayama on Shwasan Karma. Therefore, an effort
Chetan'Dadaji'Kelkar'et'al'/'Int.'J.'Res.'Ayurveda'Pharm.'12'(1),'2021'
60#
has been made “To assess effect of Bhastrika Pranayama on
“Shwasan Karma” study was conducted.
Aim
To assess effect on “Shwasan Karma” in individuals practicing
Bhastrika Pranayama regularly for continuous 3 months.
Literary Review
Breath is the dynamic bridge between body and mind and
Pranayama is one of the most important yogic practices2. The
word Pranayama is comprised of two components: ‘Praṇa’ and
‘Ayama’. Praṇa means ‘vital energy’ or ‘life force’. Ayama is
defined as ‘extension’ or ‘expansion’. Thus, the word Pranayama
means ‘extension or expansion of the dimension of ‘Praṇa’. In the
Pranayama practices, there are four important aspects of
breathing such as (1) Puraka (inhalation), (2) Rechaka
(exhalation), (3) Antaḥkumbhaka (internal breath retention), and
(4) Bahiḥkumbhaka (external breath retention)3.
In the other studies though both fast (Kapalabhati, Bhastrika and
Kukkuriya Pranayama) and slow Pranayama (Naḍishodhana,
Savitri and Praṇava Pranayama) were shown to be beneficial in
reducing stress level, the beneficial effects on cardiovascular
parameters was observed only after practicing slow
Pranayama/breathing but not after fast Praṇayama4/breathing5
techniques.
The Pranayama is extensively explained in Hathyog Pradipika,
Gherand Samhita, etc. According to Hathyog Pradipika and Yoga
Pradipika Pranayama is of three types
a) Rechaka Pranayama: The Pranayama in which exhalation of
air through both the nostrils is called Rechaka Pranayama.
b) Puraka Pranayama: The Pranayama in which inhalation of air
through both the nostrils are called Puraka Pranayama.
c) Kumbhaka Pranayama: The Pranayama in which air should
be restricted as long as possible after inhalation or exhalation
is called Kumbhaka Pranayama.
Kumbhaka are of eight kinds – 1) Suryabhedana 2) Ujayee 3)
Sitkari 4) Shitli 5) Bhastrika 6) Bhramari 7) Murchha 8) Plavani
Hathyog Pradipika and Gherand Samhita explained 8 types of
Pranayama/Kumbhaka in detail out of them Bhastrika is the type
which is said to be having a very outstanding effect on Shwasan
Karma. Bhastrika Pranayama is mainly a combination of
Kapalabhati and Ujayee. Rapid succession of forcible expulsion
is a characteristic feature of Bhastrika Pranayama due to
forcefully expulsion of air one may exhale out the hazardous
particles and polluted air may partially nullified.
Procedure and Advantages of Bhastrika Pranayama
The Padmasana is performed by crossing the feet and placing
them on both the thighs. It is destroyer of all sins. The sins (Papas)
are the ill effects. Binding the Padmasana and keeping the body
straight, closing the mouth carefully, let the air be expelled
through the nose. It should be filled up to the lotus of the heart,
by drawing it in with force, making noise and touching the throat,
the chest and the head. It should be expelled again and filled again
and as before. In the same way, the air of the body should be
moved sharply filling it through Surya Nadi when tiredness is
experienced. (It is the right nostril known as Surya Nadi). The air
should be drawn in through the right nostril by pressing the thumb
against the left side of the nose, so as to close the left nostril and
when filled to the full, it should be closed with the middle fingre
and fourth finger (the one next to the little finger) and kept
confined. Repeat the same procedure with left nostril
This Pranayama destroyer morbid Vata, Pitta and Kapha and
increases the digestive power (the gastric fire). It quickly awakens
the Kundalini, purifies the system, gives pleasure and is
beneficial. It destroys phlegm and the impurities accumulated at
the entrance of the Brahma Nadi. This Bhastrika should be
performed plentifully, for it breaks the three knots (Three
Granthis placed in the Sushumna), Brahma granthi (in the chest),
Vishnu granthi (in the throat) and Rudra granthi (between the
eyebrows) of the body6. According to Gherand Samhita, Let the
Sadhaka perform this Bhastrika Kumbhaka thrice, he will never
suffer any disease and will be always healthy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Inclusion criteria
• Apparently healthy individuals.
• Age group 18-40 years irrespective of gender.
• Volunteers who are able to perform Pranayama daily for about
30 min.
Exclusion criteria
• History of respiratory tract diseases- e.g., T.B., COPD etc.
• Habits of tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Pregnant women.
• History of hyper-tension, coronary artery disease,
musculoskeletal chest deformities, insomnia, epilepsy,
mentally disturbed and ENT problems.
Duration of study: 3 months.
Sample Size – 32.
Methods
Procedure of Bhastrika Pranayama
Bhastrika Pranayama orientation and practice was conducted in
presence of expert Yoga teacher.
Table 1: Yogic exercises used by the participants
Name
Duration
Prayer and Omkar recitation
5 min
Breathing exercises (Kapalabhati)
5 min
Pranayama (Bhastrika, Ujjayi, and Shavasana)
20 min
Total
30 min
SOP was based on procedure mentioned in Hatha Pradipika and
Gherand Samhita.
For this study Spiro lab III was used as a tool. With the help of
this instrument Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) reports were
obtained. 4 parameters were used from observed values as a tool
for completing the study. These parameters were 1) Forced Vital
Capacity (FVC) 2) Forced Expiratory Volume in one second
(FEV1) 3) Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and 4) Maximum
Voluntary Ventilation (MVV). These parameters were measured
on 1st day i.e., starting of study and then after at the end 3 months.
Orientation and training program was organised for volunteers
which included demonstration of warm up, Omkar Gunjan, Nadi
Shuddhi Kriya and Bhastrika Pranayama. Informed written
consent was obtained from them. Assessment of present status of
Chetan'Dadaji'Kelkar'et'al'/'Int.'J.'Res.'Ayurveda'Pharm.'12'(1),'2021'
61#
pulmonary functions volunteers with the help of spirometry was
done and individually case record form was generated.
Statistical Analysis
Mean ± SD is the values obtained before and after Pranayama.
Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test to compare
pre- and post-training values. P < 0.05 is considered as
statistically significant.
RESULTS
For the present study 32 volunteers was selected
Table 2: Distribution of volunteers according to age
S. No.
Age group
Experimental group
Frequency
Percentage
1
20-25 years
12
37.5%
2
26-30 years
06
18.8%
3
31-35 years
04
12.5%
4
36-40 years
10
31.2%
Total
32
100%
There were 12 (37.5%) volunteers from age group 20–25 years, 06 (18.8%) volunteers from age group 26-30 years, 04 (12.5%) volunteers from age
group 31-35 years and 10 (31.5%) volunteers from age group 36– 40 years registered for this study.
Table 3: Distribution of volunteers according to gender
S. No.
Gender
Experimental group
Frequency
Percentage
1
Male
15
46.9%
2
Female
17
53.1%
Total
32
100%
There were 15 (46.9%) male and 17 (53.1%) female volunteers registered for study.
Table 4: Effect of Bhastrika Pranayama on Pulmonary functions
PFT
Day 1
Day 93
Z Value
P Value
% Change
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
FVC
2.84
0.79
4.25
1.30
-5.302
0.001
33.3
FEV1
2.34
0.77
4.05
1.54
-5.483
0.001
42.3
PEFR
5.39
2.78
8.00
2.27
-5.607
0.001
32.6
MVV
79.67
27.98
97.00
28.66
-4.259
0.001
17.9
Graph 1: Effect of Bhastrika Pranayama on Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Chetan'Dadaji'Kelkar'et'al'/'Int.'J.'Res.'Ayurveda'Pharm.'12'(1),'2021'
62#
Graph 2: Effect of Bhastrika Pranayama on Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1)
Graph 3: Effect of Bhastrika Pranayama on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)
Graph 4: Effect of Bhastrika Pranayama on Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)
DISCUSSION
Asthma is a condition with an increase in airway resistance,
increased work of breathing, and decrease in respiratory volumes,
flow rates, and lung hyperinflation7. Stress is an important
precipitating factor of asthma8, and mind can be calmed by slow
and deep breathing, which not only helps to distress9 but also
improves the individual’s antioxidant status10. The changes in the
inspiratory and expiratory pressure with Pranayama may be due
to the alterations in the lung functions. In normal shallow
breathing, lung spaces are not used, whereas Pranayama helps in
using lung spaces with the help of respiratory muscle. Therefore,
the peak expiratory flow rate is increased which might be an
important reason for opening small airway in the lungs3.
Pranayama creates negative and positive pressures in thoracic
compartment to improve its capacity and also increases the
expiratory and inspiratory muscle performance11. During
Pranayamic breathing, the lungs and chest get inflated and
deflated to the fullest possible, this extent leads the muscles to
work maximally which causes strengthening of respiratory
muscles12. It is proved from different studies that breathing
exercise helps in cleansing the secretions of air pipes and
increases lung compliance13. When the lung compliances
increased, breathing becomes comfortable and respiratory muscle
strength is improved. Yoga Asanas and Pranayama improve the
various lung volumes, lung capacities, and pressures in young
adult.14
Chetan'Dadaji'Kelkar'et'al'/'Int.'J.'Res.'Ayurveda'Pharm.'12'(1),'2021'
63#
The present study has demonstrated a significant increase in FVC
and FEV1 in Experimental group. The improvement in vital
capacity is due to increased progress of respiratory activity due to
regular practice of Bhastrika Pranayama. Higher FEV1 is due to
better strengthening of respiratory muscle. Skeletal muscles
control many vital elements of aerobic conditioning including
lung ventilation. By the practice the respiratory apparatus is
emptied and filled more completely and efficiently which is
recorded in term of increased FVC.
The increase in FEV1 might be due to significant increase in vital
capacity. Although clear cut proof is lacking, the mechanism by
which changes in respiratory functions occur are greater
relaxation of respiratory muscles may be induced by supra spinal
mechanism which increase expiratory reserve volume
contributing to a rise in vital capacity. Lung inflation to near total
lung capacity is a major physiological stimulus for release of
surfactant and prostaglandin into alveolar spaces. This may cause
increase in lung compliance and decrease in bronchiolar smooth
muscle tone. Comparing males and females suggests that normal
males on an average have a larger muscular thoracic cavity
enabling them to force more air out of the lungs resulting in higher
volumes of FEV1.
The present study has demonstrated a significant increase in
PEFR in Experimental group. Bhastrika Pranayama breathing
exercises volunteers to use the diaphragmatic and abdominal
muscles tone more efficiently there by emptying and filling the
respiratory organs (i.e., lungs) more efficiently and completely.
Pranayama, with its calming result the mind can reduce and
release emotional stresses thereby withdrawing the bronco-
constrictor effect.
Bhastrika Pranayama may increase PEFR through following
respiratory dynamic changes:
• By increasing respiratory muscle strength by breathing
exercise.
• By cleaning of airway secretions.
• By using the diaphragmatic and abdominal muscle more for
filling the respiratory machinery more efficiently and
completely.
• Inhibiting the constrictor tone of bronchial smooth muscles by
relaxing respiratory muscles.
The present study has demonstrated MVV is not significantly
increase in Experimental group as compare to other parameters.
Bhastrika Pranayama breathing exercises volunteers to use the
abdominal and diaphragmatic muscles tone more efficiently there
by emptying and filling the respiratory organs (i.e., lungs) more
powerfully and completely. Pranayama, with its calming result
the mind can reduce and release emotional stresses thereby
withdrawing the broncho-constrictor effect.
CONCLUSION
It can be stated that Bhastrika Pranayama (breathing
technique/exercises) is beneficial for the better functioning of
Shwasan Sansthan. The functions of Shwasan Sansthan
particularly Shwasan Karma is improved even in normal healthy
volunteers in this study.
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Cite this article as:
Chetan Dadaji Kelkar et al. Effect of Bhastrika Pranayama on
“Shwasan Karma”. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 2021;12(1):59-
63 http://dx.doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.120114
Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared
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