Authors : Meera Nandan; Arun P. G.

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 8 - August

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2rbrb94z

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26aug544

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Abstract : Background & Objectives Primary hypertension is a major public health concern worldwide and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Its management includes lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatment with antihypertensive medications, and complementary non-pharmacological interventions. Among these, yoga has gained considerable attention for its beneficial effects in the management of hypertension. Pranayama, a key component of yogic practice, has been shown to enhance parasympathetic activity, reduce sympathetic activity, improve cardiovascular and respiratory functions, and alleviate the physiological effects of stress. Among the various pranayama techniques, alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) and humming bee breathing (Bhramari Pranayama) have demonstrated promising effects on autonomic regulation and blood pressure control. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of alternate nostril breathing and humming bee breathing on individuals with primary hypertension.  Methods Sixty pre-diagnosed individuals with primary hypertension, aged 25–50 years, were recruited for the study after screening according to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups using a computer-generated randomization method: Group 1 received Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB), and Group 2 received Humming Bee Breathing (HBB). Baseline measurements were recorded two minutes before the intervention, and postintervention measurements were obtained two minutes after the completion of the intervention. Following data collection, the dataset was assessed for normality of distribution and homogeneity of variance. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate parametric (t-tests) and non-parametric tests based on the distribution of the data.  Result: Both intervention groups demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, low-frequency (LF) power, and the low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio, along with a significant increase in high-frequency (HF) power following the intervention. Comparative analysis between the two groups revealed that the reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly greater in Group 1 (Alternate Nostril Breathing), whereas improvements in heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, particularly the increase in HF power and reduction in LF and LF/HF ratio, were more pronounced in Group 2 (Humming Bee Breathing).  Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that both Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB) and Humming Bee Breathing (HBB) are effective complementary interventions for the immediate management of primary hypertension. Humming Bee Breathing was more effective in producing an immediate improvement in heart rate variability, indicating enhanced parasympathetic activity and autonomic balance. In contrast, Alternate Nostril Breathing demonstrated a greater immediate reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Therefore, HBB may be preferred for improving autonomic regulation, whereas ANB may be more beneficial for the immediate reduction of blood pressure in individuals with primary hypertension.

Keywords : Primary Hypertension, Pranayama, Alternate Nostril Breathing, Humming Bee Breathing, HRV

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