Author: Manoj Jain
Publication: The Times of India
Date: February 24, 2008
Introduction: If we reduce the number of oxygen
radicals, we improve the antioxidant status in our body and live longer
Ever wonder what causes us to age resulting
in death of our body cells over the years, develop heart disease leading to
plaque in the artery, or suffer from cancer causing cells to mutate and grow
erratically? The answer may be simpler than we think.
Some researchers say the common denominator
in all these conditions is the antioxidant status - the level of chemical
process that takes place in our cells and genes. Like we measure our cholesterol
level, researchers argue, we can measure our antioxidant status and determine
how vulnerable we are to diseases.
In a pilot study, biochemists at All India
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) studied the effect of Sudarshan Kriya
on the antioxidant status of individuals. Sudarshan Kriya is a well known
rhythmic breathing technique promoted by the Art of Living workshops. It is
preceded by Ujjayi Pranayam or long and deep breaths with constriction at
the base of throat and Bhastrika or fast and forceful breaths through the
nose along with arm movements.
Before we talk about their findings, let's
step back into our biochemistry class and understand what antioxidant status
means. According to the free-radical theory, the cells in our body are being
constantly damaged and destroyed by oxygen radicals, similar to what dirt
and rust do to our cars. Oxygen radicals are different from oxygen gas in
that they are molecules that are highly charged and detrimental byproducts
of cell reactions.
Our body has an antioxidant defense system
that constantly searches and destroys these oxygen radicals, much like our
immune system, which polices our body for foreign agents such as bacteria
and viruses and eliminates them. If the antioxidant defense system of our
body is weak, then the number of oxygen radicals increases, causing our cells
to die quickly. This results in inflammation and plaque within our heart vessels
or prompts the cells to mutate into cancer cells. On the other hand, if we
reduce the number of oxygen radicals, we improve the antioxidant status in
our body, and we live longer and lead a disease free life.
It is important that we try to reduce the
level of oxygen radicals and strengthen our defense system. We can increase
our antioxidant levels through our diet. A healthy diet of vegetable and fruit
increases our intake of important antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E, and
beta carotene. Some initial studies have shown the benefit of higher antioxidants
in our diet, but larger studies have not detected the benefit - so the jury
is still out. Smoking, alcohol and chronic psycho-social problems, such as
everyday work and family pressures, can increase oxidative stress.
This stress affects our complex molecules
and genes. Yoga and meditation can relieve this cellular oxidative stress.
The question is whether Sudarshan Kriya would have a similar effect.
A team lead by Dr Neeta Singh and Dr Vinod
Kochupillai, former chief of IRCH and Head of Medical Oncology at IRCH ( Institute
rotary cancer hospital) at AIIMS, tested the blood of 42 persons who were
practicing Sudarshan Kriya for over 1 year and compared it with the blood
of 42 healthy individuals who were not practicing any form of physical exercise
or stress management techniques. What the researchers found was thought provoking.
Clearly, the cellular activity between the two groups was different.
The Kriya practitioners had a better antioxidant
status at the enzyme and the gene level. Also they had less DNA damage and
cell aging. It is difficult to know if this change will lead to longer life
span, decrease rates of cancer, or lessen heart disease, but "we should
practice some type of breathing technique once a day to reduce stress,"
said Dr Neeta Singh, who herself is a big fan of the Kriya and does it twice
everyday. Though biochemical science and spirituality may seem miles apart,
it is heartening to see ancient practices and modern science converging in
man's endeavour to live a richer and healthier life.
-Dr Manoj Jain is an infectious disease physician
working in Memphis (US) and Indore (MP)
