European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Medical education in present times has become very stressful. The stress predominantly decreases the performance of students and lessens their self-esteem. It is now becoming imperative to have some tools or techniques which can help the students to cope with this immense stressful situation.  One such technique which is practiced in yoga is alternate nostril breathing (ANB). It brings about a balance in the activity of the two nostrils and simultaneously reduces stress related conditions by shifting the sympatho-vagal balance toward parasympathetic dominance
Aim: To evaluate effects of short-term alternate nostril breathing (ANB), on autonomic functions in young healthy medical students.
Materials & Methods: The study was conducted on 25 healthy first year medical students aged 16-22yrs. The subjects were then asked to perform the ANB for 15 mins. The autonomic function test [galvanic skin response (GSR), heart rate (HR), Heart rate variability (HRV) parameters - VLF, LF, HF and LF/HF, finger-tip temperature (FTT)] parameters were recorded before and after the procedure. 
Result: GSR, HR, VLF, LF, LF/HF showed a significant reduction and FTT, HF showed a significant increase post short-term ANB. 
Conclusion: Short term ANB shows a significant tilt towards parasympathetic dominance. Considering this fact, it is suggested that regular practice of ANB can help to reduce stress.