The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point
  • About this web log

    This blog ran from 2006 to 2016 and was intended as an objective and dispassionate source of information on the latest CAM research. Since my background is in pharmacy and allopathic medicine, I view all CAM as advancing through the development pipeline to eventually become integrated into mainstream medical practice. Some will succeed while others fail. But all are treated fairly here.

  • About the author

    John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

  • Common sense considerations

    The material on this weblog is for informational purposes. It is not medical advice or counsel. Be smart, consult your health professional before using CAM.

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    Heart effects of alternate nostril breathing

    Researchers at Nepal Medical College in Kathmandu measured the physiological effects of Nadi Sodhana (alternate nostril breathing).

    First, the details.

    • Healthy young adults performed alternate nostril breathing exercise for 15 minutes every morning for 4 weeks.
    • Cardio-respiratory parameters were recorded before and after the training period.

    And, the results.

    • Significant increases in peak expiratory flow rate (exhale) and pulse pressure (change in blood pressure during a contraction of the heart).
    • No change in systolic blood pressure was reported.
    • Significant decreases in heart rate, respiratory rate, and diastolic blood pressure.

    The bottom line?
    The authors concluded, “Results indicate that regular practice of alternate nostril breathing (Nadisudhi) increases parasympathetic activity.”

    A second study this year reported that systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased after alternate nostril breathing in healthy men experienced with yoga. And a study from 3 years ago reported, “Alternate nostril breathing may modulate cardio-respiratory and autonomic functions.”

    This breathing exercise may complement the effects of medical therapy on high blood pressure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It would be interesting to see its effect in people with heart and lung disease.

    More on alternate nostril breathing from YogaHealth is here.

    8/16/08 14:10 JR

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