Breathing-based meditation (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) increases sense of coherence. No-cost stress prevention

Background and aim

Our society deals with multiple challenges such as psychological stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as disasters, crises including the pandemic crisis, and the current war. Excess stress can manifest itself in a variety of emotional, behavioral, and even physical symptoms, which strongly correlate with deterioration of health and a decrease in quality of life. Sense of coherence (SOC) is a central pillar of Antonovsky’s salutogenic model of health and it is focused on the relationship between health, stress, and coping. The SOC scale comprises the evaluation of the sense of comprehensibility (SC), the sense of manageability (SM), and the sense of meaningfulness (SMF), which are associated with both physical and psychological health.

Methods

The Mind-Body Medicine intervention breathing-based meditation (SKY-Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) was evaluated to assess its impact on the sense of coherence of practitioners in a pilot trial. The study groups consisted of 132 practitioners of SKY during the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!+) and 128 not participating/not practicing (260 in total). Both groups filled out SOC-29 questionnaire twice, on day first and sixth. Based on the SOC-29 test, SOC, SC, SM, and SMF have been evaluated in both groups.

Results and conclusion

Experience with the SKY breathing technique showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase of the sense of coherence of practitioners. Also, the senses of comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness increased by 12%. The SKY exercise does not require any additional preparation, or equipment and may present a no-cost solution to help deal with stress and life demands.