Abstract

A CONCEPTUAL STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF NADISUDHI PRANAYAMA IN NIDRANASHA

Dr. Pardeep Yadav* and Dr. Satya Manav Dayal, M.D. (Ayu.)

ABSTRACT

In today‟s hectic world, with its many and varied demands, yoga acts as a soothing balm, counter balancing the frantic lifestyles by quietening the mind and allowing individuals to slow down and live in the present moment and savour it. With regular practice,yoga teaches us how to develop a greater awareness of both our physical and psychological states, which in turn increases our ability to cope with everyday stress and situations, enabling us to step back and assess our reactions and coping mechanisms. Nidra is one among the Trayopasthambha in Ayurveda classics and it is necessary for the physical and mental well- being of an individual. In the present era, various sleep disorders are increased day by day. Working at night time has increased due to busy life style. Insomnia is affecting nearly one third of adults in developed countries and the prevalence is increasing in India. Insomnia has a prevelance of 10%-48% in the general population. Insomnia is associated with substantial impairment in an individual‟s quality of life, impacting health, work and health care cost. Primary Insomnia, where the cause of sleeplessness can be compared to that of Nidranasha in Ayurveda Nidranahsa has been explained in all the major classical works in ayurveda. Nidana and Chikitsa of Nidranasha are mentioned in Caraka Samhita.Sushruta has also explained about the Nidana, Upadrava and chikitsa of nidranasha. Pranayama is an ancient breathing technique which increases the blood circulation stimulating the nervous system which brings the calmness to the mind. Nadisuddhi pranayama also referred as „alternate nose breathing‟, is a systemic breathing procedure explained in Hathayoga pradhhepika and Gheranda samhita. This Pranayama is said as a purifactory Pranayama and purifies the Nadi, pacifying the vitiated vata and tamas responsible for the loss of nidra and gives useful sleep by calming down the nervous system and is therefore useful for people with Insomnia. Here in this article the conceptual study on “The role of nadisudhi pranayama in nidranasha” has been explained.

Keywords: Nidranasha, Primary Insomnia, Depression, Nadisudhi pranayama.