Does Pranayama practice help your adrenal glands?

"The regular practice of Pranayama has a calming effect on the adrenal glands, by stimulating the parasympathetic nerve system, which counteracts the fight-or-flight response linked with chronic stress," said Dr Vikas Verma, director, Shashvat Ayurveda, Chandigarh

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | September 25, 2023 10:45 AM IST

3 min read

Anshula Kapoor feels refreshed (Source: Anshula Kapoor/Instagram)

Anshula Kapoor does not shy away from taking a much-needed relaxing break and indulging in wellness opportunities to pamper her body and mind. As such, her latest is a retreat vacation where she can be seen rejuvenating with mind and body wellness techniques and workshops. After lymphatic drainage, and an analysis of her metabolism, Kapoor was seen lying down for a guided pranayama breathing or mindfulness breathing to “give the adrenal glands a bit of rest”.

“Did my first session on mindfulness training and breathing techniques,” said Kapoor on her Instagram Stories.

We decided to decode the relationship between mindfulness breathing techniques like pranayama and its impact on the adrenal glands.

Dr Vikas Verma, director, Shashvat Ayurveda, Chandigarh called Ayurveda, a holistic science in which Pranayama is the fundamental component. “This is a profound practice that unites, the mind, body, and spirit through deliberate breathing. As per Ayurveda, our vitality is sustained by the flow of prana, or life force, through our breath. When we engage ourselves on Pranayama, it helps us harness this crucial energy and nurtures our entire well-being,” said Dr Verma.

According to Dr Verma, the adrenal glands play a significant role during the process, as per Ayurveda. “These very small, pyramid-shaped glands sit on top of the kidneys and play a crucial role in the body’s reaction to stress. The regular practice of Pranayama has a calming effect on the adrenal glands, by stimulating the parasympathetic nerve system, which counteracts the fight-or-flight response linked with chronic stress,” elaborated Dr Verma.

Also Read | Measures you can take when you feel stressed

He described that Pranayama fosters a state of equilibrium in the body’s three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – through specific practices like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Bhramari (humming bee breath). “This balance affects the adrenal glands, which promotes hormonal stability and lower cortisol levels. Practitioner after experiencing this process consequently reports greater stress resistance, more mental clarity, and increased physical energy,” Dr Verma said.

Anshula Kapoor does pranayama breathing (Source: Anshula Kapoor/Instagram Stories)

Regular Pranayama practicing habits when incorporated into a general lifestyle, becomes a powerful tool for promoting and supporting adrenal health. “It fosters a strong link between the breath and glandular activity, opening the door to maximum well-being and vigour in both the body and the mind,” mentioned Dr Verma.

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