Decrease in conductance was associated with decrease in sympathetic activity and improved heart rate variability (HRV). Recent literature on assessment of cardiac autonomic tone in individuals with and without affective spectrum disorders following regular SKY practice revealed that SKY practice decreased sympathetic activity, increased parasympathetic activity, and improved sympathovagal balance. For a detailed description of neurophysiological pathways, refer literature published by Brown 9 and Zope. Usually, low RSA is found in mental disorders, such as functional dyspepsia. Vagal stimulation increases parasympathetic dominance resulting in increased normal respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). These stimuli affect diverse group of fibers within the vagus nerve resulting in physiological changes in various parts of the brain, such as thalamus, cortical areas, and limbic system, and they also affect multiple organs and glands. Sequential breath variations in lengths, intensities, frequencies along with end-inspiratory and end-expiratory holds generate diverse stimuli from baroreceptors, sensory receptors, and multiple visceral afferents. SKY induces various autonomic effects including improved cognition, changes in heart rate, and improved bowel function through vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). SKY practice slows heart rate, increases brain perfusion, prevents hypoxia/hypercapnia, improves attention and vigilance (via vagal afferents), and reinstates energy. Influence of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga on Physiological Functions This review article highlights the possible role of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a unique breathing technique in combating this pandemic. The prophylactic and therapeutic potentials of complementary alternative treatment modalities such as Ayurveda and Yoga are not really being explored during this global crisis which is paramount at this juncture.

Frequent washing of your hands with soap, use of an alcohol sanitizer, wearing a mask, and social distancing are recommended precautions one can take to prevent contracting this disease. Individuals with certain preexisting diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and respiratory problems, are at a higher risk of developing COVID-19 complications. Along with serious health problems, the disease has exerted a huge psychological impact on the public. The number of identified COVID-19 cases has been steadily growing, and till August 10, 2020, a total of 20 million registered cases of COVID-19 and 750,000 deaths have been reported globally. Asymptomatic individuals have been identified as potential sources of infection. Early stages of the disease include severe acute respiratory infection, with some patients rapidly developing acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute respiratory failure, and other serious complications. The WHO has declared COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious rapidly spreading disease worldwide. This narrative review article provides an overview of potential therapeutic benefits that SKY can offer to the population at large during this COVID-19 pandemic. It potentiates natural host immune defenses that are essential to tackle a plethora of microbial infections. It balances the autonomic nervous system and thus can alleviate anxiety, routine stress, depression, stress-related medical disorders, and posttraumatic stress. SKY is a unique yogic practice that includes specific sequential breathing techniques. Quality of the studies included was evaluated on the basis of the construct validity, content validity, relevance, bias, credibility relating to information, and data sources. All search results were screened, and articles related to keywords such as COVID-19, yoga therapy, and Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) were selected for data extraction. Databases explored were Medline, EMBASE, Indian Citation Index, PsycINFO, Index Medicus for South-East Asia Region, and Google Scholar. Various online databases were searched for articles published between 20. There is clinical evidence available on the potential complementary role of yogic practices in the management of noncommunicable and communicable diseases. Antiviral therapies are costly and require bulk production of drugs, hence globally there is an increased interest toward low-risk, cost-effective complementary alternative therapies, such as Yoga and Ayurveda to tackle the infectious pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccinations are disease specific and moreover strain specific, so the protection provided is also specific and limited. Important counter measures to combat an infectious disease pandemic include vaccination, antiviral therapy, and immunomodulation therapy.

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