What are the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya?

Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful breathing technique which works on connecting the body and mind through breath. It releases all types of stress - physical, mental and emotional. On practising this regularly, you can slowly learn to achieve a thought-free state of mind which has the potential to improve the psychological function of the brain. Research has proven its healthy effects on psychological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and manic episodes. Sudarshan kriya breathing technique is beyond logic where with various stages, breathing will improve the respiratory system, neurological, and circulatory function.

This yogic practice has been proven to stimulate the vagus nerve which is the tenth cranial nerve. This, in turn, will improve the parasympathetic nerve activities and diminish sympathetic activities and thus help relieve physical, mental and emotional stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is Sudarshan Kriya?

Sudarshan Kriya is a yoga practice that involves breathing techniques. It is done in a thunderstorm posture that is technically called the Vajrasana. There are two types of Sudarshan Kriya. They are short and long. Depending on the time availability and the expected benefits, the Sudarshan Kriya is practiced.

2. Can You Do Sudarshan Kriya Twice a Day?

Sudarshan Kriya should not be done twice a day. The short Sudarshan Kriya is advised to be done once a day, and the long Sudarshan Kriya is advised to be done once a week. You will require the help of a yoga therapist to perform these yoga techniques. After gaining practice, you can start doing it on your own.

3. Can You Do Sudarshan Kriya During Periods?

Any yoga practice can be avoided on periods. This is followed to keep a woman at ease when she is in her periods. Some women say they feel sleepy or tired when they perform Sudarshan Kriya during their periods. Some women say that Sudarshan Kriya is the best for overcoming premenstrual syndrome. If you feel energetic and normal during your periods, you can ask your therapist whether you can do it.

4. Can Sudarshan Kriya Help in Overcoming Anxiety?

Yes, Sudarshan Kriya will help you in overcoming your anxiety. Sudarshan Kriya is a breathing practice that will help you remain stress-free. This will also help you in living a calm life. The benefit is more for generalized anxiety than social anxiety states. This is due to the calm state of mind that is achieved with this yoga.

5. What Are the Benefits of Sudarshan Kriya?

Sudarshan Kriya has the following benefits:
- Improves immunity levels.
- Helps in maintaining a stable mind-set.
- Stabilizes the increased heart rate.
- Increased awareness of body and mind.
- Increases the stamina of the individual.
- Decreases cholesterol levels.
- Improves the quality of sleep.
- Elevated energy levels.
- Reduces depression.
- Improves brain function.
- Improvement in the overall health status of the individual.

6. Can Sudarshan Kriya Help in Curing Diabetes?

Sudarshan Kriya is the best breathing method for curing diabetes to a certain level. This is due to the inhalation of the pure air several times. Air has many beneficial properties. If you are planning to overcome diabetes, you can follow Sudarshan Kriya and some diet patterns. This will help you maintain normal sugar levels.

7. Does Sudarshan Kriya Reduce Blood Pressure?

Yes, the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique is known to reduce blood pressure. But, these results will not be visible in the initial stages itself. The individual has to practice Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique for at least three months. If they practice consistently, they can see better results.

8. How Do You Do the Sudarshan Kriya Breathing Technique?

Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique is done in the Vajrasana position. It is also referred to as the thunderstorm posture. In this posture, the spine should be erect, and the person should stay calm. The air is inhaled and exhaled quickly. This is repeated for nearly 30 times in a minute. Some therapists recommend chanting during the Sudarshan Kriya breathing practice.

9. Is Sudarshan Kriya Harmful?

No, Sudarshan Kriya is a completely safe practice. It does not have any side-effects. If you fear doing it, you can ask the help of a therapist to accompany you when you perform Sudarshan Kriya yogic breathing. This will make you more confident in performing it.

10. How Can I Practice Sudarshan Kriya at Home?

The practice of Sudarshan Kriya does not require modifications for indoors and outdoors. The same thunderstorm procedure can be practiced at home. You can stay conscious of your breathing patterns. Remember to keep your spine erect while doing this.

11. Can We Drink Water Before Meditation?

You can drink minimal levels of water before meditation. Drinking water before meditation is the best way to stay away from physical distractions. It is necessary to keep your urinary bladder empty so that you need not go to the restroom in the middle of the practice. An urgency to urinate would be a disturbance.

12. Can You Do Surya Namaskar During Periods?

If you are not fatigued during your periods and not having any menstrual cramps, you can perform Surya namaskar. It is recommended to do these exercises slowly. If you are experiencing any discomfort during your periods, you can stop doing it and continue after completing menstruation.

13. What Happens During Sudarshan Kriya?

While doing Sudarshan Kriya, alertness is achieved in the physical and mental state. The individual will feel calm. It is necessary to give rest to your brain that keeps functioning without rest. It releases all kinds of physical, emotional, and mental stress.

14. Can You Do Sudarshan Kriya at Night Before Sleeping?

Breathing techniques like Sudarshan Kriya can be performed at any time. But, to feel fresher, you can try doing these exercises during morning hours. If the timing is not convenient for you, you can consult a therapist before doing it in strange timings.

15. Is Sudarshan Kriya Recommended for a Person With Hypertension?

Sudarshan Kriya is a technique that needs to be practiced regularly. After long-term practice, it can be really helpful for curing elevated blood pressure rates. It will also help in reducing the cholesterol level.