A Comprehensive Yogic Breathing Program: Evidence for Use in Medicine.

Mind-body interplay in the maintenance of health and the development of disease is important. With the escalating pace of life, increasing demands in ever-changing chaotic surroundings, and practices that help us revive within this mind-body complex are even more relevant today for preserving good health. One such commonly available practice is the Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), which is now widely available in over 180 countries. During COVID and in the post-COVID era, it has been administered online, making it more accessible. There is mounting evidence of the benefits of SKY in various body systems, like central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system. Studies show the effect of SKY on immunity, oxidative stress, and genomic expression. It has shown benefit in autonomic functions, anxiety, depression, diabetes, addiction, substance abuse, sleep disorders, quality of life, social connectedness, and adolescent health. This review aims to compile evidence for the use of SKY in medicine and also explore the mechanism through which it acts based on published literature.