High-frequency yoga breathing (Kapalabhati) leads to quick increase in FEV1, similar to albuterol

Kapalabhati is a technique described in the traditional texts of yoga indicated for respiratory disorders.

This single-center, randomized, prospective, controlled study was performed at an inpatient yoga and naturopathy facility from South India and included 60 patients with asthma.

A mean increase of approximately 200 mL in FEV1 was observed in a single session of kapalabhati for 10 minutes. This is a significant improvement, similar to what is seen after administration of albuterol.

What is the possible mechanism of kapalabhati breathing?

Parasympathetic dominance plays an important role in the pathophysiology of asthma. Immediate sympathetic activation after the practice of kapalabhati may explain the incerase in FEV1.

References:

Effect of high-frequency yoga breathing on pulmonary functions in patients with asthma - Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology http://buff.ly/2efpZjC

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