Impact of Sheetali and Sheetkari Pranayama on the Topographic Mapping of the Brain Waves

Abstract

Pranayama is yogic breathing technique which is known to improve the physical and mental well-being. The tremendous impact of yoga on the functioning of nervous system, attenuation of stress and promotion of relaxation is well known. Sheetali and Sheetkari pranayama also produce similar effects but, in addition, they also cool down the body and the brain. However, the impact of these pranayama on electroencephalogram (EEG) is not explored so far. For this study, 20 male volunteers were recruited and divided into two equal groups namely yoga group (YG) who underwent the practice of these pranayama for two months and non-yoga group (NYG) who did not do any type of breathing technique. In both the groups, EEG topographic mapping was recorded and the results were compared. The mapping revealed an increase in the delta (red bands) and alpha band power (green bands) in the frontal and occipital regions and an increase in theta band power (yellow bands) in the frontal region with a marked decrease in beta band power (blue bands) almost throughout the entire hemisphere after two months' of Sheetali and Sheethkari pranayama practice indicating that the brain (mind) was calm and quiet in relaxed state with less anxiety.

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“…Ujjayi Pranayama is good for throat, cardio-respiratory, nervous and digestive systems. Sheetkari Pranayama calms mind and reduces negative emotions, improves immunity, memory, purifies blood and refreshes the body (Thanalakshmi et al, 2014). Sheetali Pranayama can be beneficial in summers as it cools down the mind and body.…”