Therapeutic potential of slow pranayama in anxiety.
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.