One of the most comprehensive breathing techniques derived from the Yogic Science of Breath and taught by the Art of Living Foundation is Sudarshan Kriya® which is traditionally understood to use specific rhythms of the breath to eliminate stress, support the various organs and systems within the body, transform overpowering emotions and restore peace of mind.

Su means proper, darshan means vision and kriya means purifying practice and the Sudarshan Kriya is exactly that - a purifying practice.

Independent research has shown that Sudarshan Kriya and its accompanying practices may significantly:

 
• Reduce levels of stress (reduce cortisol - the "stress" hormone)
• Benefit the immune system
• Reduce cholesterol
• Relieve anxiety and depression (mild, moderate and severe)
• Increase antioxidant protection
• Enhance brain function (increased mental focus, calmness and recovery from stressful stimuli)
• Enhance health, well-being and peace of mind

The breath is the key link between the mind, body, and emotions. Attention to the rhythms of the breath and their effect on health was part of the ancient knowledge of the art of living.

The lungs are one of the most important sites of elimination of impurities from the body. Not only is carbon dioxide, as the most abundant impurity produced in the body, removed through expiration, but many other waste products (around 250), albeit in smaller amounts, are also eliminated from the body through the lungs.

Yet, it is known that we typically use only about 30% of our lung capacity. The Art of Living breathing exercises are traditionally understood to allow most efficient use of the lungs and effectively eliminate impurities from the body.

According to the Yogic Science of Breath, impurities which accumulate in the cells cause sluggishness and promote disease. The Sudarshan Kriya technique oxygenates the cells and rapidly flushes out impurities. Physically, the cells are vitalised; emotionally, one feels a sense of balance and contentment.

Download research paper on the Science of Breath

Links:
Information on research conducted into the health benefits of the Art of Living breathing exercises:
www.aolresearch.org/index.html

The Science of Breath Brochure:
www.aolresearch.org/pdf/TheScienceofBreath.pdf (pdf doc)

Recently published article on yoga breathing and post-traumatic stress:
www.aolresearch.org/pubresearch.html
[Patricia L. Gerbarg and Richard P. Brown (Oct. 2005). Yoga: A breath of relief for Hurricane Katrina refugees. Current Psychiatry 4, 55-67. Article at Current Psychiatry Online]