Effect of Bhramari Pranayama and Yoga Nidra on cardiovascular hyper-reactivity to cold pressor test

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate whether regular practice of Bhramari Pranayama and Yoga Nidra for 3 months can reduce cardiovascular hyper-reactivity to the cold pressor test in young healthy medical students. Background A number of studies support the beneficial effect of Bhramari Pranayama and Yoga Nidra in hypertension. No study has been done to evaluate combined effect of pranayama and meditation in hyper-reactors to cold pressor test. Materials and Methods A total of 94 young medical students were selected who performed Bhramari Pranayama and Yoga Nidra for duration of 3 months. Cold pressor test was done on each student before and after yoga. Results There was 79% reduction in hyper-reactivity to cold pressor test as number of hyper-reactors reduced from 32 before the study to 7 after 3 months of yoga. Systolic rise of blood pressure to cold pressor test reduced from 20.1 ± 3.5 mm Hg to 15.2 ± 3.7 mm Hg (P < 0.001) and diastolic rise reduced from 13.81 ± 3.4 mm Hg to 10.37 ± 2.62 mm Hg (P < 0.001) in hyper-reactors. Mean systolic blood pressure in all the 94 subjects reduced from 119.87 ± 12.01 mm Hg to 117.68 ± 11.89 mm Hg whereas mean diastolic blood pressure reduced from 77.08 ± 9.3 mm Hg to 75.11 ± 9.07 mm Hg (P < 0.001). Conclusion Bhramari Pranayama and Yoga Nidra together can signifi cantly alleviate stress induced changes in cardiovascular parameters.