Bhramari Pranayama – A simple lifestyle intervention to reduce heart rate, enhance the lung function and immunity

Abstract

Individuals with chronic diseases have a higher risk of infection and show lung function impairment. Poor lifestyle choices such as physical inactivity, poor diet, stress, excess tobacco, and alcohol, and sleep disruption increase the risk of chronic inflammation and immune impairment but the evidence does not quantify the specific risk factor(s) and their correlation with the immune system impairment. COVID-19 related uncertainty has created a more urgent need to understand the need to identify interventions that could help in managing the risk factors, especially for healthy individuals who are at a higher risk of infection and/or immune system impairment. The role of three parameters, the Resting Heart Rate (HR), increased Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and lung function is considered as risk factors for systemic inflammation and chronic diseases. The evidence on Bhramari Pranayama is presented for possible lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of infection, increase lung function, enhance autonomic function, and improve sleep quality in healthy individuals.

Keywords

• Bhramari
• Heart rate variability (HRV)
• Resting heart rate (resting HR)
• Immune function
• Lifestyle
• Nitric oxide