Alive and Healthy

Breathing

Study #1 - Unilateral Forced Alternate Nostril Breathing on Cognitive Performance
Study describes effects of 30 minutes of unilateral forced nostril breathing on cognitive performance of undergraduate psychology students at the University of California, Davis. This study found that both males and females benefited. Verbal and spatial skills were significantly higher (p=.028) than in the control group.
FINDING: This breathing technique may have useful application in treating psychophysiological disorders with hemispheric imbalances.
International Journal of Neuroscience, Vol 93 no. 1-2 pp. 61-68. Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Davis. Abstract date: November 1993

Study #2 Effects of 10 Minutes Forced Alternate Nostril Breathing(FANB)
Study found a difference in brain wave activity depending on which nostril was being used. FINDING: This study suggests that FANB has a balancing effect on the functional activity of the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
International Journal of Psycho. Vol 18 no. 1 pp.75-79 Abstract Date: October 1994

There are countless other studies in medical journals that evaluate the power and effectiveness of alternate nostril breathing.

Here is the essence of alternate nostril breathing:

Inhale and exhale through the nose
Breath smoothly, slowly and quietly
Alternate nostrils every 3 breaths
Try to extend your breath to 8 seconds inhale, 8 seconds exhale
Practice for at least 12 minutes twice daily - ideally 3 times daily

Over the course of 30-60 days, this exercise has a profound effect on the nervous system for both adults and children. It is effective in helping with restlessness, sleep, anxiety and other disorders where the central nervous system become unbalanced. Click for more information or to order an audiotape on this exercise...

Omega Fatty Acids

Study #1 - Department of Food Science, Hangzhou University of Commerce, Hangzhou, China - March 2003 duoli@mail.hzic.edu.cn

Study Objective: To find the dietary importance of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA) and non-communicable diseases.

Results: Omega-3 PUFA has beneficial effects on decreasing the risk of stroke, reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. Long chain omega-3 PUFA has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Omega-3 PUFA has also been reported to have a beneficial effect on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia, and may be effective in managing depression in adults.