The patients showed significant reductions in both Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression (HRSD) and Beck Depression Inventory scores after 1 week of SKY training and 3 more weeks of daily practice (2).Īccording to studies conducted to see the effective of SKY on insomnia, it was shown to improve sleep quality (2). In one of the studies patients with major depression and without any previous yogic knowledge was chosen (2). Three studies in particular have found Sudarshan kriya yoga (SKY) to be effective in the treatment of depression (2). Studies has been conducted to see the effectiveness of Sudarshan kriya yoga on depression. 6 days per week SUDARSHAN KRIYA Yoga(SKY) BENEFITS In one of the studies done on effectiveness of SKY, subjects were instructed to practice once per day for 30 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of rest, 6 days per week and great improvement was seen in patients with depression (2). WATCH SUDARSHAN KRIYA YOGA GUIDED MEDITATION HERE Sudarshan Kriya or “Proper Vision by Purifying Action” is an advanced form of cyclical breathing at varyingrates-slow, medium, and fast.“Om” is chanted three times with very prolonged expiration.It engenders excitation followed by calmness. During Bhastrika or “Bellows Breath” air is rapidly inhaled and forcefully exhaled at a rate of 30 breaths per minute.The subjective experience is physical and mental calmness with alertness. This slow breath technique (2 to 4 breaths per minute) increases airway resistance during inspiration and expiration and controls airflow so that each phase of the breath cycle can be prolonged to an exact count. Ujjayi or “Victorious Breath” is sometimes called “Ocean Breath” because the sound created by the gentle contraction of the laryngeal muscles and partial closure of the glottis is reminiscent of the sound of the sea.
Sudarshan kriya yoga consists of four main breathing techniques as described below (2). Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is one of the specific forms of yoga breathing technique which has shown an incredibly positive effect on mind and body. It has shown to balance the autonomic nervous system and influence psychological and stress-related disorders (1). Pranayama is the regulation of breath also known as yoga breathing. In yoga, one of the relaxation techniques is the breathing technique exercises. It flushes our anger, anxiety and worry leaving the mind completely relaxed and energized.Yoga and meditation have scientifically shown to help with depression and anxiety. Just as emotions affect our patterns of breathing, we can bring about changes in our mental and behavioral patterns by altering the rhythms of our breath. The rhythmic breathing pattern of Sudarshan Kriya harmonizes the rhythms of the body and emotions and brings them in tune with the rhythms of nature. And when we feel good about ourselves, love flows naturally in all our relationships with others. This unique breathing practice is a potent energizer.Įvery cell becomes fully oxygenated and flooded with new life, bringing a sense of joy in the moment. The Sudarshan Kriya is therefore a purifying practice, whereby one receives a proper vision of one’s true self. ‘Su’ means proper, ‘darshan’ means vision, and ‘Kriya’ is a purifying practice. When stress or illness throws them out of order, we experience discomfort and discontent and feel upset and unhappy. When these rhythms are in sync, we feel a sense of harmony and well-being. Similarly, there are biological rhythms to our bodies, minds and emotions. Nature is replete with various rhythms and cycles - day follows night, night follows day, seasons come and go. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar puts it, the Sudarshan Kriya came to him like an inspiration to bridge the gap between the worlds of inner silence and outer expression of life. It is today universally acclaimed for its effectiveness in eliminating stress and bringing one completely into the present moment.Īs H. The Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful rhythmic breathing technique that facilitates physical, mental, emotional and social well-being is an integral part of Art of Living programmes.