Indian journal of psychiatry
March 1, 2025
Kamlesh Jha, Pankaj Kumar, Yogesh Kumar et al.
3 citations
Patients with panic disorder who completed eight weeks of Rajyoga mindfulness meditation training showed significant increases in heart rate variability measures—SDRR, RMSSD, pNN50, and total power—compared to a waitlist control group receiving standard treatment alone. The LF/HF ratio decreased in the meditation group, indicating a shift toward greater parasympathetic activity. These findings suggest that Rajyoga meditation may improve autonomic regulation and could serve as a beneficial adjunctive intervention for panic disorder.
International journal of yoga
January 1, 2023
Kamlesh Jha, Pankaj Kumar, Yogesh Kumar et al.
3 citations
Adding Rajyoga meditation to standard treatment for panic disorder improves symptoms more than standard treatment alone. In a randomized controlled trial, 110 patients with panic disorder were assigned to either standard treatment plus Rajyoga meditation or standard treatment alone. After 8 weeks, scores on the Panic Disorder Severity Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale showed significantly greater improvement in the meditation group. The composite score combining both scales also showed a significant difference between groups. Rajyoga meditation, a form of meditation without rituals or mantras, is an effective adjunct therapy for panic disorder when practiced under a trained therapist.
Journal of family medicine and primary care
December 1, 2025
Neena Sharma, Kamlesh Jha, Chandrakanta Munni
Slow pranayama, a yogic breathing technique considered a form of meditation, shows promise for reducing anxiety symptoms by modulating heart rate variability (HRV). Anxiety disorders, among the most common mental health conditions, are linked to autonomic nervous system dysregulation and decreased HRV, a biomarker of vagal tone and resilience. Slow breathing with a prolonged expiratory phase enhances vagal tone, restores sympathovagal balance, and promotes homeostasis. This review explores the therapeutic potential of slow pranayama in managing anxiety disorders, examining current evidence, limitations, and future directions for integrating yoga-based practices into mental health care.