Yoga Breathing, Meditation, and Longevity
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences August 1, 2009 Richard P. Brown, Patricia L. Gerbarg 278 citations
Yoga breathing (pranayama) is a core practice in Indo-Tibetan traditions that can quickly bring the mind to the present moment and reduce stress. This review examines how breath work influences longevity mechanisms, with effects that both overlap with and differ from meditation, while synergistically enhancing meditation's benefits. Clinical evidence supports yoga breathing for treating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and victims of mass disasters. By inducing stress resilience, breath work offers a rapid and compassionate way to relieve many forms of suffering.