Breathing-Based Meditation for Improving COPD Burden: A Mixed Single-Case and Qualitative Approach
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine December 19, 2023 Ting-Fen Lin, D. Linville, Rhonda N. T. Nese et al. 3 citations
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects both physical and mental health, with symptoms like dyspnea worsening anxiety and vice versa. This study tested Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a breathwork meditation program, in nine individuals with varying COPD severity. Using single-case multiple-baseline and qualitative methods, it found SKY feasible and acceptable. Results suggest SKY can alleviate aspects of COPD burden related to mind, body, and breath, and reduce the cyclical effect of disease sequelae. Larger trials are needed, but this is the first evidence supporting SKY as a viable complementary approach for COPD.