Measurement of the Effect of Isha Yoga on Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System

Beneficial effects of yoga have been postulated to be due to modulation of the autonomic nervous system. The effect of Isha Yoga practices on the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system were assessed through short-term heart rate variability (HRV). Short-term HRV of long-term regular healthy 14 (12 males and 2 females) Isha Yoga practitioners was compared with that of age- and gender-matched 14 (12 males and 2 females) non-Yoga practitioners.

Yoga practitioners demonstrated slight, yet significant reductions in blood pressure compared to controls. The reduction in mean arterial pressure is significant since it indicates the amount of pressure needed for blood to reach organs.

Isha Yoga practitioners showed a reduction in blood pressure.

The most significant data involves assessing the balance of the autonomic nervous system. For the controls, low frequency power is significantly greater, indicating a greater sympathetic (fight or flight) response. On the other hand, in Isha Yoga practitioners, high frequency power is significantly greater, indicating a greater parasympathetic (rest and digest) response. Taking the ratios of these responses, Isha Yoga practitioners are considerably more parasympathetic dominant than controls.

Isha Yoga practitioners showed a greater parasympathetic response.

This study demonstrated that Isha Yoga practitioners had improved cardiovascular measurements compared to non-practicing controls. Of these measurements, the difference in parasympathetic dominance appears to be the most significant. This indicates that Isha Yoga practitioners are in a more naturally restful state than the general healthy population.

Isha HRV Paper