HIGH FREQUENCY YOGA BREATHING A REVIEW OF NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPEUTIC AND PREMEDITATION POTENTIAL Anna Andaházy – Gejza M. Timčák Received Februar 26 2016 - Revised March 31 2016 - Accepted April 6 2016 ABSTRACT High frequency yoga breathing (HFYB) results in a shifting of the autonomic nervous system balance towards sympathetic nervous system dominance. In an effort to more fully understand the complex effects of this form of yogic breath-work, tests are being conducted on practitioners’ physiological and neurological response processes. Studies on heart rate variability (HRV) indicating cardiac autonomic control have shown a resulting reduction of vagal activity following HFYB, leading to passive sympathetic dominance without overt excitation or exhaustion. Comparative cognitive tests taken after the practice have shown that HFYB results in reduced auditory and visual reaction times, and a decrease in optical illusion. The vigilant, wakeful, yet relaxed state induced by HFYB has been associated with improvements in attention, memory, sensorimotor performance, and mood. As breathing bridges conscious and unconscious functions, the potential role of HFYB as an adjunctive therapeutic intervention as well as its possible application in preparation for meditation is considered. Key words High frequency yoga breathing, autonomic nervous system, therapy, meditation Spirituality Studies 2 (1) Spring 2016 37
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