Role of nadi shuddhi pranayama on hypertension

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Role of nadi shuddhi pranayama on hypertension”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Nadi (Nadin):
In the context of Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama, 'Nadi' refers to the channels in the human body through which the 'vital force' flows. Purifying these Nadis is essential for Pranayama practice.

2) Blood:
Blood pressure is a key parameter assessed in the study. The practice of Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama showed a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in hypertensive patients.

3) Yoga:
Yoga, encompassing practices such as Pranayama, is a holistic science aimed at physical, mental, and spiritual development. It includes eight aspects, such as Asana and Dhyana, which contribute to overall well-being.

4) Nostril:
During Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama, patients use specific nostrils for controlled breathing sequences to balance and purify the Nadis. The right and left nostrils are alternately closed and opened to regulate breath.

5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, along with Yoga, aims to bring balance to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual. It is an ancient discipline closely related to various yogic practices.

6) Disease:
Through the regulation of the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system, practices like Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama can potentially prevent or alleviate diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stress-related disorders.

7) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
In the article, Shalya Tantra and Shalakya Tantra are mentioned as departments in Ayurvedic educational institutions. Tantra here pertains to specific branches or systems of knowledge in Ayurveda.

8) Shalyatantra (Salyatantra, Shalya-tantra, Shalyatamtra):
Shalya-tantra refers to the surgical branch of Ayurveda. Vishal Khanna, one of the authors, is an associate professor in this department at the Jammu Institute of Ayurveda and Research.

9) Shalya (Salya):
[see source text or glossary: Shalya]

10) Anjali (Amjali):
Anjali Sharma is one of the authors of the study. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kriya Sharir, at Sri Ganganagar College of Ayurvedic Science and Hospital in Rajasthan.

11) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
[see source text or glossary: Sharma]

12) Mental health:
Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama helps improve mental health by down-regulating the stress response mechanism of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system.

13) Discussion:
The discussion section of the article underscores the effectiveness of Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama in managing hypertension by balancing the autonomic nervous system and reducing stress-induced physiological responses.

14) Depression:
Overactive HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system contribute to depression and other disorders. Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama helps in reducing stress and potential depression symptoms by enhancing parasympathetic activity.

15) Agnivesha (Agnivesa, Agni-vesha):
Agnivesha is the name of an ancient sage who is credited with authoring the foundational texts of Ayurveda.

16) Substance:
[see source text or glossary: Substance]

17) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is mentioned as the location of the publisher of the Charaka Samhita, a crucial text in Ayurveda referenced in the article.

18) Samhita:
Samhita refers to the classical Ayurvedic texts. The Charaka Samhita, compiled by Agnivesha, is specifically cited as a reference for understanding yogic and Ayurvedic principles in the study.

19) Dipika:
The term 'Dipika' relates to the Ayurveda Dipika commentary by Chakrapanidatta, explaining the Charaka Samhita, which is one of the references supporting the study.

20) Sthana:
[see source text or glossary: Sthana]

21) Sutra:
Sutra refers to the aphorisms or verses in classic Ayurvedic and yogic texts. Multiple references to Sutra provide foundational methodological insights into practices like Pranayama.

22) Delhi:
Pranayama and other Indian traditions are well-documented and published in cities like Delhi, known for its significant contributions to spreading Indian spiritual and scientific knowledge.

23) Fight:
Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama helps in mitigating the 'fight or flight' stress response by promoting a shift towards parasympathetic dominance, thereby reducing physiological stress markers.

24) Svamin (Swami, Svami, Swamin):
Swami Omanand Tirth's works are among the references cited in the study, contributing to the understanding and methodology of Pranayama practices.

25) Prana (Pran):
Prana, meaning breath or vital energy, is central to Pranayama. Controlling Prana through exercises like Nadi Shuddhi affects the body's physiological and psychological states.

26) Diet:
Patients undergoing Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama for hypertension were advised to follow a salt-restricted diet to help manage their blood pressure more effectively.

27) Human body:
The Nadis, vital energy channels, in the human body need to be cleansed for effective Pranayama. Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama purifies these channels to enhance physical and mental health.

28) Shalakyatantra (Salakyatantra, Shalakya-tantra, Shalakyatamtra):
Shalakya-tantra is referred to Jaipur as the department specializing in the management of ear, nose, throat, eyes, and head disorders within Ayurvedic medical practice.

29) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Sutra-sthana in the Charaka Samhita provides the fundamental principles and methods of Ayurveda, referenced for methodological insights into the study's practices.

30) Tuberculosis:
[see source text or glossary: Tuberculosis]

31) Purification:
Purification of Nadis is the primary aim of Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama. This involves cleansing the energy channels to allow the free flow of prana, enhancing wellness.

32) Inflammation:
Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein and cytokines, contributing to its health benefits in hypertensive patients.

33) Pratyahara:
Pratyahara, the withdrawal of senses, is one of the eight aspects of Yoga that aids in focusing the mind inward, crucial for practices like Pranayama and meditation.

34) Meditation:
Meditation, one of the eight aspects of Yoga, aids in deep mental focus. It is often practiced alongside Pranayama techniques to enhance overall well-being.

35) Patanjali:
Maharshi Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras, is the foundational figure in Yoga. His works detail the principles and practices, including Pranayama, which are referenced in the study.

36) Padmasana (Padma-asana):
Padmasana, or the lotus position, is recommended as the sitting posture for performing Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama, helping to maintain stability and focus during the practice.

37) Rajasthan:
Anjali Sharma, an author of the study, is affiliated with Sri Ganganagar College of Ayurvedic Science and Hospital located in Rajasthan. This lends context to the geographic diversity of the study's contributors.

38) Evolution:
Yoga is described as a science of conscious evolution, involving practices that help individuals reach higher states of mental, physical, and spiritual development.

39) Cross road (Crossroad):
[see source text or glossary: Crossroad]

40) Satkarman (Satkarma, Shatkarman, Shatkarma, Shash-karman, Shash-karma, Sat-karman):
Shatkarma refers to the six purification techniques in Yoga, including methods to purify Nadis. Shatkarma techniques could complement Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama for effective purification.

41) Kumbhaka:
Kumbhaka, or the breath retention phase of Pranayama, plays a critical role in the Nadi Shuddhi practice, involving controlled pauses between inhalation and exhalation.

42) Prakriti (Prakrti):
Prakriti, the inherent constitution of an individual in Ayurveda, affects how practices like Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama influence one's health. All constitutions showed improvements in this study.

43) Medicine:
Modern medicine lacks the holistic approach that practices like Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama offer, which can safely manage conditions such as hypertension through natural means.

44) Pregnant:
Pregnant women were excluded from the study to avoid any potential risks associated with practicing Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama during pregnancy.

45) Samadhi:
Samadhi, the state of bliss, is the ultimate goal in Yoga, achieved through progressive practices including Pranayama. It signifies complete absorption and tranquility.

46) Dharana:
Dharana, or concentration, is a step in the Yogic practice essential for achieving focus during Pranayama, leading to better control over breath and mind.

47) Niyama:
Niyama, one of the limbs of Yoga, involves individual ethics and practices that prepare the practitioner for higher yogic practices like Pranayama and meditation.

48) Dhyana:
Dhyana, or meditation, forms part of the advanced stages of Yoga. It's often practiced alongside Pranayama, facilitating deeper mental and spiritual engagement.

49) Recaka:
Recaka, or exhalation, is a component of Pranayama. In Nadi Shuddhi, exhalation is controlled to ensure the proper cleansing of Nadis following inhalation and breath retention.

50) Puraka:
Puraka, or inhalation, is the initial phase in the Pranayama cycle. It involves controlled breath intake, essential for effective Nadi Shuddhi practice.

51) Vishnu (Visnu):
[see source text or glossary: Vishnu]

52) Indian:
The study pertains to Indian traditional practices like Yoga and Pranayama. Many contributors and references are sourced from prominent Indian texts and scholars.

53) Hatha:
Hatha Yoga, as documented by Swami Vishnu-devananda among others, emphasizes physical postures and breath control techniques like Pranayama for overall health.

54) Kriya:
Anjali Sharma is an Assistant Professor at the department of Kriya Sharir, a branch of Ayurveda focusing on bodily functions. Kriya Sharir principles explain Pranayama's benefits in the study.

55) Joshi (Josi):
[see source text or glossary: Joshi]

56) India:
The practice of Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama and the referenced scholarly texts originate from India, emphasizing the country's rich tradition in Yoga and Ayurveda.

57) Asana (Ashana):
Asana, or physical postures, is a foundational practice in Yoga, leading up to more advanced practices like Pranayama and meditation for holistic well-being.

58) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]

59) Yama:
Yama, involving universal ethics, is the first limb of Yoga. It prepares the practitioner ethically for advanced practices like Asana and Pranayama.

60) Vayu:
Vayu, or vital air, is the energy controlled in Pranayama. The Nadis must be purified for Vayu to flow freely, as emphasized in the practice of Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama.

61) Ayam (Ayaṁ):
[see source text or glossary: Ayam]

62) Tree:
Yoga is metaphorically described as a tree with various aspects like Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, each contributing to the holistic growth of the practitioner.

63) Salt (Salty):
Patients practicing Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama for hypertension were advised a salt-restricted diet, aiding in better management of blood pressure and overall health.

64) Drug:
While anti-hypertensive drugs are essential for some cases, Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama offers a complementary approach for managing hypertension without sole reliance on medication.