Effect Of PRANAYAMA (Rechaka, Puraka And Kumbaka) On Bronchial Asthma - An Open Study

Effect of PRANAYAMA was studied in 20 males and 10 females suffering from perennial asthma. The mean age of the males was 32 years and females 25 years. The mean duration of asthma was 7 years in males and 5 years in females. Initial data regarding the clinical symptom, dosages of drugs and spirometry (absolute values, predicted percentages and response to bronchodilator aerosol) were recorded and were repeated every 15 days for 75 days. All were taught PRANAYAMA (RECHAKA PURAKA WITH KUMBAKA) under supervision in the Institute for half an hour every day in the morning. The assessment was made on the basis of the mean clinical symptom score, mean dosage of drugs and mean FEV1, mean% Predicted FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC% and PEFR of the particular fortnight as compared to the initial values. The results indicate that though there was a statisticaly significant increase in the absolute values of the different paromotcrs of ventilatory function and reduction in the dosages of drugs and decrease in symptom-score, airways obstruction as noted by FEV1/FVC% remained unchanged.