Yoga breathing, meditation, and longevity.

Author: Brown RP, Gerbarg PL.
Affiliation:
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
Conference/Journal: Ann N Y Acad Sci
Date published: 2009 Aug
Other: Issue ID: 1172 , Pages: 54-62 , Word Count: 136


Yoga breathing is an important part of health and spiritual practices in Indo-Tibetan traditions. Considered fundamental for the development of physical well-being, meditation, awareness, and enlightenment, it is both a form of meditation in itself and a preparation for deep meditation. Yoga breathing (pranayama) can rapidly bring the mind to the present moment and reduce stress. In this paper, we review data indicating how breath work can affect longevity mechanisms in some ways that overlap with meditation and in other ways that are different from, but that synergistically enhance, the effects of meditation. We also provide clinical evidence for the use of yoga breathing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and for victims of mass disasters. By inducing stress resilience, breath work enables us to rapidly and compassionately relieve many forms of suffering.

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