What is Sudarshan Kriya™ ?

Sudarshan Kriya™ is a unique breathing technique that eliminates stress, fatigue and negative emotions such as anger, frustration and depression, leaving you calm yet energized, focused yet relaxed. Sudarshan Kriya™ incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath which harmonize the body, mind and emotions.  Through the regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya ™ and adopting lifestyle changes, many people around the world are leading stress-free lives while carrying out all their regular responsibilities.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living, cognized Sudarshan Kriya™ on 17th September 1981 on the banks of the Bhadra river in Shimoga after ten days of silence and fasting. He explains how Sudarshan Kriya™ works: “The breath connects the body and mind. For every emotion, there is a corresponding rhythm in the breath. Just as emotions affect our patterns of breathing, we can bring about changes in our mental and behavioral patterns by altering the rhythms of our breath. It flushes out anger, anxiety, and worries, leaving the mind completely relaxed and energized.”

Rhythms of breath

Your body and mind have particular rhythms. For instance, you experience hunger and the need to sleep at different times. 

Gurudev elaborates: “There is a rhythm in nature. Similarly, there is a rhythm in the body and in the emotions (of the mind). If you observe your thoughts, you will see that your doubts and anxieties also have a rhythm. There is a particular time in the year when you experience the same emotions. Sudarshan Kriya restores the harmony between the body and mind. When these rhythms are in sync, we feel a sense of harmony and well-being. And when these rhythms are not in sync, we experience discomfort and discontent.”

He continues: “After Sudarshan Kriya, many people feel so pure and so clear, and so complete, because the consciousness which was stuck in the matter, the material foreign to it, was released from that and came back home. That is the sense of purity, the feeling of purity. We need to do a cleansing process within ourselves. In sleep, we get rid of fatigue, but the deeper stresses remain in our bodies and minds. Sudarshan Kriya cleanses the system from the inside.” Over 100 independent studies show the benefits of the deep stress detox carried out by Sudarshan Kriya on the mind and body.

Sudarshan Kriya benefits include:

1. Relieves from symptoms of anxiety, depression, (Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder) and stress levels

2. Reduces impulsivity and addictive behaviors

3. Improves self-esteem and life satisfaction

4. Increases mental focus

5. Induces better sleep 

6. Enhances immune function 

7. Reduces blood pressure 

8. Improves respiratory function

Who can learn and do the Sudarshan Kriya

Anyone who wants to level up their quality of life and live stress-free can do the Sudarshan Kriya. People from all walks of life and of all ages are experiencing the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya. Students and working professionals have experienced improved focus and productivity. Entrepreneurs and homemakers have experienced better energy levels and health. Ex-militants and prison inmates have let go of violent tendencies and been rehabilitated into the mainstream. War refugees and victims of violence have been able to release their past traumas and lead regular lives.

Immediate benefits from doing the Sudarshan Kriya™

Deep detoxification and immunity boost

Breathing can remove 90% of toxins from the body. The rhythmic breathing of Sudarshan Kriya detoxifies the body at a cellular level. Studies show that Sudarshan Kriya increases the number of natural killer cells in the body that limits the spread of microbial infections and tumors. Hence, the practice increases one’s immunity.

Relief from stress, anxiety and depression

Taking care of your mental health is very important in today’s demanding world. Because if you don’t, you will be in the clutches of burnout before you know it. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Better sleep

Quality sleep is essential for the revival of tissues and organs in the body. Poor sleep quality affects your mental and physical health too. Daily Sudarshan Kriya practice is an easy way to sleep better. The breathing technique helps improve the quality of sleep by three times.

Stronger heart

India accounts for approximately 60% of the world’s heart disease burden. Our lifestyles demand us to tend to our hearts daily. Sudarshan Kriya is the most efficient practice to strengthen your heart. Studies show the practice reduces heart rate and blood pressure. It also improves one’s cholesterol profile and respiratory function.

Sudarshan Kriya™ practice for 20 minutes daily helps significantly reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Every emotional state is linked to a specific breathing cycle.

Manage your emotions daily

Using rhythmic breathing cycles, Sudarshan Kriya helps one manage negative emotions better. You will become calmer and mentally resilient if you practice it daily.

Learn the Sudarshan Kriya™

How Sudarshan Kriya was cognized

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who cognized Sudarshan Kriya, shares what inspired him to sit in silence for 10 days: “I had already travelled around the world. I taught yoga and meditation. But still, I was concerned about how to help people live happily. I felt something was lacking. Though people do their spiritual practices, their life is in compartments. When they come out in life, they are very different people. So, I was thinking about how we can bridge this gap between inner silence and the outer expression of life. During the silence, the Sudarshan Kriya came as an inspiration. Nature knows what to give and when to give. After I came out of the silence, I started teaching whatever I knew, and people had great experiences. They felt clear from within.”

Sudarshan Kriya eventually became a cornerstone of all programs of The Art of Living, the organization Gurudev founded in the same year.

99 Benefits of Sudarshan Kriya

In this article

I always keep hearing about the innumerable benefits of Sudarshan Kriya from different people including celebs, friends, relatives, neighbors next door, unknown people, and lastly from my sister. This powerful breathing technique has impacted over 45 million across the globe.  

Some believe that Sudarshan Kriya can address the smallest to the biggest problems in life. But, I had no issues in life that I could not handle. My husband then commented, “Are you waiting for issues to get larger than you can handle?” I had no words.

I told my husband, “I will attend the Art of Living Program and will only continue to the next day if there is a tangible takeaway on the first day of the program.” Finally, I participated in the Online Meditation and Breath Workshop. From that day until this day, I have been reaping the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya.

What is Sudarshan Kriya?

Su means proper, darshan means vision, and kriya means a purifying practice. Sudarshan Kriya which is a Sanskrit term meaning “proper vision by purifying action” is a simple yet powerful rhythmic breathing technique with slow, medium and fast cycles. Sudarshan Kriya purifies at the cellular level and energizes you to be untouched by stress. (For in-depth information and understanding, please visit our blog “What is Sudarshan Kriya”)

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Evidence-based benefits of Sudarshan Kriya

There are myriad benefits of practicing Sudarshan Kriya regularly. Let’s look at the ninety-nine benefits of Sudarshan Kriya.

99 Benefits of Sudarshan Kriya 

• The three-stage Ujjayi pranayama of the Sudarshan Kriya
  Ujjayi pranayama is practiced in three stages with three different hand positions to direct prana to all the five lobes of the lungs and flush out toxins accumulated therein for a long time. A study shows that patients with depression, anxiety and panic disorder have Low RSA (Respiratory sinus arrhythmia). Ujjayi breath increases RSA by increasing the parasympathetic influences.

• Bhastrika increases the capacity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
  Studies show that Bhastrika provides a mild stimulation and thereby increases the capacity of SNS to respond to acute stressors without rapidly exhausting its reserves.

• Calms the mind
  The unique effect of Bhastrika pranayama in stimulating our body with rapid and continuous breathing brings calm.

• “Om” results in physiological alertness
  “Om” chanting results in physiological alertness and increased sensitivity to sensory transmission. An increase in beta activity in the left frontal, occipital, and midline regions of the brain is found in the Sudarshan Kriya practitioners.

• Clears your vision
  The advanced form of breathing, Sudarshan Kriya, includes slow, medium, and fast cycles. It clears your vision and purifies your being.

• Slows down the heart rate
  Deep breathing slows down the heart rate, with more oxygen, giving rest to the brain.

• Relaxes body organs and functions
  The organs and functions stimulated by the three paces of breathing in Sudarshan Kriya need some time to absorb and impact the proper functioning of the body.

• Channelizes energy
  Meditation after Sudarshan Kriya channelizes the energy and brings great tranquillity to Sudarshan Kriya practitioners.

Physical Benefits

9. Overcomes body fatigue

Sudarshan kriya reduces the underlying stress at the cellular level of the body and enhances the life force energy. It helps in overcoming fatigue that remains in your system inspite of taking rest.

10. Improves health and well-being

The sudarshan kriya steps regulate the breaths to control the mind resulting in the overall well-being of the body. The powerful techniques of sudarshan kriya improve organ functioning, further maintaining your health.

11. Makes you energetic 

You can feel the flow of energy, especially while doing the fast breathing cycles of sudarshan kriya. Some practitioners feel it in their palms and faces. You feel energetic throughout the day rather than getting tired by the second half of the day.

12. Strengthens immune system

Research conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on the effects of sudarshan kriya revealed an increase in antioxidants at the enzyme activity, RNA and DNA levels. Thus, sudarshan kriya helps strengthen the immune system and lowers cell deaths.

13. Reduces cholesterol levels

Even in stressful conditions, sudarshan kriya shows evidence to reduce cholesterol in 3 weeks of regular practice, with no diet change. Sudarshan kriya reduces the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the good cholesterol (HDL). An increased HDL level removes other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream and lowers the risk of heart disease.

14. Reduces joint and body pain

Sudarshan kriya surfaces and finally flushes out toxins from the joints and overall body, reducing pain.

15. Benefits weight loss/gain

Sudarshan Kriya satisfies unhealthy urges for oily and fast food helping lower your BMR (Basal metabolic rate). Additionally, it helps you handle stress, eat mindfully, improve your metabolic rate and let you manage time. All of these benefits make Sudarshan Kriya vital for your weight management journey.

Mental benefits

16. Increases the brain’s gray matter

When you regularly practice sudarshan kriya, your mind, body and breath are in union. It stimulates the gray matter density and activates the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the brain.

17. Greater creativity

The synchronization of the left and right brains stimulates thinking ability and creativity. You get brilliant ideas.

Greater mental focus

EEG measures electrical brain activity. In this study, sudarshan kriya practitioners demonstrated significantly greater EEG Beta wave activity indicating high alertness and mental focus.

19. Greater clarity of mind

Virat Chirania, Corporate Trainer, shares, “My decision-making has improved. I have greater clarity. I used to be over-analytical in life. With the regular practice of sudarshan kriya, I am far more relaxed and happier than I used to be.”

20. Induces better quality sleep

A homemaker Astha shares, “I slept like a baby after ages, the day I did the first Sudarshan Kriya.” Sudarshan kriya improved rapid eye movement (REM) latency and slow-wave sleep. 3x more time is spent in deep restful stages of sleep.

21. Enhances brain function

Sudarshan kriya boosts brain function and reduces five of the six major risk factors for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

22. Promotes a sense of quietness to the brain

It promotes a sense of calmness in the brain by reducing the impact of overstimulation of the frontal lobes.

23. Brings valor to manage challenging situations

Tina, a regular sudarshan kriya practitioner, shares, “I have become more relaxed about challenging situations at home and work, and I have become more patient with people. Valor invokes in me at the time of managing challenges.”

Psychological benefits

24. Reduces stress

Reduction in stress-hormone levels (cortisol and ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone) is facilitated by Sudarshan Kriya in bringing down stress levels.

25. Reduces anxiety

Published research shows a significant anxiety reduction. sudarshan kriya gave a 73% response rate and 41% remission rate in individuals for whom medication and psychotherapy treatments were futile. 

26. Relieves depression

Multiple studies demonstrate that depressed patients experienced a 68-73% remission rate within one month of practicing sudarshan kriya. Practitioners didn’t show any evidence of depression for the said period.

27. Increases self-confidence

Madhav, “I thought I couldn’t do anything in life till I experienced Sudarshan Kriya. My self-confidence is back living my dreams.”

28. Improves self-esteem

Sudarshan Kriya is a self-empowering tool using the breath to balance out expectations of contemporary life with a spontaneous satisfaction from within. It increases self-efficacy and self-perception, impacting the self-esteem of a person.

29. Prepares for unknown future

“My mind would constantly hook up to the fear of the unknown future till I did Sudarshan Kriya. The breathing techniques prepare me to live in the present moment more often,” says Ashima, a homemaker.

30. Reduces aggression 

Sudarshan kriya uses different breathing cycles to release negative emotions like stress, frustration and aggression. It brings harmony between mind and body through breath.

31. Increases the secretion of feel-good hormones

Endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin are the feel-good hormones that increase with regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya.

32. Aids in identifying the problems

With clarity of mind, you can identify the problems holding you back. Accordingly, implementing solutions becomes simple.

33. Promotes lactation

Sudarshan Kriya is beneficial for lactation in breastfeeding mothers as it keeps them away from postpartum stress. With higher levels of feel-good hormones, the lactation level increases in happy mothers.

34. Menopausal women

Research shows that within 30 days of practicing sudarshan kriya, the menopausal women had improved antioxidant levels. This result was superior to the effects of Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or Vitamin E on the antioxidant levels.

Spiritual benefits

35. Intensifies yoga and meditation

As Sudarshan Kriya creates harmony in body, breath and mind, it aids in intensifying the yoga experience. Deep and restful meditation happens after practicing sudarshan kriya. 

36. Liberates 

Sudarshan kriya practitioners get liberated from the emotional and physical knots that hold them down.

37. Renders a deep inner peace

Sudarshan Kriya calms the mind resulting in deep inner peace.

Relationship benefits

38. Improves acceptance 

Sudarshan kriya improves acceptance of unfavorable situations. With increasing acceptance levels, belongingness and open communication, handling conflicts becomes effortless. Niyati M Bhatt, Product Leader, “I became better at handling conflicts in my relationships after practicing Sudarshan Kriya regularly.”

39. Improves patience

Relationships blossom with the foundation of patience and trust. Valuing relationships beyond others’ faults is achieved through sudarshan kriya practice.

40. Enhances team-working skills

Regular practitioners of sudarshan kriya become much more capable as team leaders. They foster mutual trust with their members, have clarity in responsibilities, are open to criticisms, resolve conflict quickly and are proactive.

41. Reduces tension in personal relationships.

With sudarshan kriya practice, acceptance and belongingness dawn in helping ease tension in personal relationships. Sudarshan Kriya (SK) impacts your perspective. Instead of fighting over trivial issues, you feel grateful for how your partner cares for you. Sudarshan kriya improves patience. So you give a patient ear to what your spouse wants to share. Sudarshan kriya increases empathy. The frequency of fights comes down, and if at all the couple fights, they end in compassion and humor.

Social benefits

42. Improves sense of responsibility towards self and surroundings

With the improvement in belongingness, sudarshan kriya practitioners shoulder responsibilities for the neighborhood. Earlier, only one’s family mattered the most. But now, the understanding dawns that when your neighborhood is at peace, you can enjoy peace in the family. 

43. Improves the sense of community living

The Art of Living volunteers have undertaken community projects rejuvenating 48 rivers PAN India, transforming the lives of 8,00,000+ inmates, providing education to 70,000+ students, training over 2.2 million farmers in natural farming, and more. With the practice of Sudarshan Kriya, a sense of caring and sharing is enhanced.

44. Motivates peaceful living in society 

The understanding that the purpose of life is in peaceful living and living for others dawns on you after the sudarshan kriya practice.

Benefits of Sudarshan Kriya for students

After practicing sudarshan kriya, I started being cool with the chaos created by my children. I wanted my children to experience inner peace too. I was delighted to know my children could have these takeaways from the Children and Teens Program. 

45. Brings Enjoyment in study

That many competition and board exam rank holders to attribute their success to Sudarshan Kriya is sufficient evidence that sudarshan kriya is beneficial for students. The exam time for kids is exam time for parents as well. But Kiran Dinesh, mother of Bhavani, shares, “Bhavani is relaxed. She doesn’t feel the pressure of exams at all.⁠ For her, exam day is just another day.”

Do you want to feel the same way?

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46. Resilience ability gets charged

Emotional overhaul happens through sudarshan kriya. The process of overcoming failures or adversities requires emotional strength. sudarshan kriya makes it happen. Research shows an increase in resilience to handle stress in sudarshan kriya practitioners.

47. Improves reasoning power

The frontal lobes of the brain are involved in reasoning, motor control, emotion, and language. sudarshan kriya promotes efficient energy utilization and power spectral density for different brain rhythms in the frontal, frontocentral, occipital and parietal lobes, depicted by the gamma, alpha and theta bands. Working memory capacity increased after sudarshan kriya because it reduced the latency of activation. Therefore, sudarshan kriya is an effective training technique for improving reasoning power.

48. Improves focus on what is important for the future

The short-term stimuli and dopamine-driven feedback loops created by social media (Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Snapchat, Instagram, Quora and Pinterest) are destroying how students work. sudarshan kriya helps children refrain from such stimuli and pursue what is vital for the future.

49. Strengthens mind-body complex

A strong body and a strong mind both go hand-in-hand. Better academic performance, future career prospects and happy life are achievable with a strong mind. Research documented benefits have shown sudarshan kriya is an efficient tool in strengthening your mind-body complex.

50. Encourages to stand up against bullying and ragging

Students become courageous and gather support from others to stand up against such acts of aggression. 9-year-old Srikant shares, “Previously, I got bullied a lot. After the Utkarsha Yoga Program, I stood up for myself. I stopped playing with my friends who bullied me. Later, they realized their mistake, and we became friends again.”

51. Increases confidence in handling peer pressure

Studies show a 50% decrease in teens with peer pressure after the regular practice of sudarshan kriya. Students become confident to stand up and say ‘No’, choose friends wisely, consider alternatives and measure the consequences to prepare for handling peer pressure.

52. Improves intuitive ability

Research has been conducted on children practicing Sudarshan Kriya and other breathing techniques in the Intuition Program (5+ up to 18 years) for their intuitive abilities. It revealed improvement in their performance from Day 0 to Day 40 in terms of accuracy and response time in the computer and paper test with eyes closed.

53. Raises life force energy

A child aspires to do many things in life. When your life force energy – prana is high, everything is possible. sudarshan kriya uplifts mental well-being – the prana level is heightened, and children feel happy and inspired to achieve their goals.

54. Safeguards from addictions

Addictions happen due to low energy levels. With the regular practice of sudarshan kriya, prana improves and children are not inclined to addiction of any kind. There are many positive effects of rhythmic breathing (Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayama) on immune functions and tobacco addiction. sudarshan kriya reduces stress and thereby decreases the dependency on addictive substances. The impact of sudarshan kriya in alcohol addiction cases has been life-transforming.

55. Boosts mental health

A shorter response time in a blindfold test of Sudarshan kriya practicing children indicates that the mental processes increased in children and information processing became faster, implying improved cognition. The research results indicate Sudarshan kriya boosts mental health in children.

56. Sharpens the ability to handle hormonal changes

Teens practicing Sudarshan kriya get the ability to eliminate stress and emotional toxins at the cellular level. Thereby they can handle hormonal changes in a much more relaxed manner.

57. Faces fewer mood swings

13-year-old Meera shares, “I used to get a lot of mood swings. One minute I was happy, another minute sad. Now, after the Medha Yoga program and practicing Sudarshan Kriya daily, my mind is stable, calm and happy.”

58. Sharpens intellect

Studies show that 22% of children who practiced Sudarshan Kriya after participating in the Utkarsha Yoga Program report increased cognitive abilities.

59. Increases productivity

Students become conscious of their gadget time and friendship time. They learn to stop excesses to devote time for better productive and creative tasks like music, craft, rapping, beatboxing, drumming, playing tennis, volleyball, cricket, cycling, or meditating.

60. Makes social media an asset

Social networking used to be a deterrent to achieving goals. After the Sudarshan kriya practice, social media becomes an asset. Children use it to develop their skills. They share useful information about competitions, tutorials, or contests with those friends or peer groups they care about.

61. Fosters values

Students who had minimal respect for their siblings, friends, parents and grandparents have improved relationships, after the regular practice of Sudarshan kriya.

62. Helps to overcome behavioral challenges

Studies show a 78% decrease in teens with conduct problems at home and school. Medha Yoga participant 14-year-old Meghna shares, “My cranky behavior has reduced, and I feel at peace now as I regularly practice Sudarshan Kriya.”

63. Reduces hyperactivity

Studies show that 67% of children who practice sudarshan kriya daily after participating in the Utkarsha Yoga program report a decrease in hyperactivity.

64. Improves academic grades

Grade 12 student Shriya shares, “Sudarshan Kriya has helped find a fine balance between my academics and sports. I am an achiever in academics and sports.”

65. Makes decision-making faster

Grade 12 student Shriya shares, “Being a district-level sports athlete, I need to be calm. Sudarshan Kriya has helped in achieving that when I have to make tough and quick decisions on the playground.”

66. Removes fear of the unknown

Studies conclude that the Intuition Process program participants overcome many fears of the unknown, like walking in the dark, fear of exams, fear of talking to strangers, fear of being alone in an unfamiliar place and stage fear. 

67. Plans with better foresight

Research indicates the development of foresightedness in the practitioners (students) of Sudarshan Kriya. They can plan accurately.

68. Takes more responsibilities

Students who practice sudarshan kriya daily are encouraged to take more responsibilities wearing a smile. 

69. Improves accuracy

A significant increase in accuracy indicated with ‘closed eyes computer and paper-based tests’ conducted during Intuition Process, implies that intuitive powers emerged in students. Research on the Intuition Program reveals a 50% increase in children who scored with above 75% accuracy after practicing sudarshan kriya.

70. Increases friendliness

“Before experiencing Sudarshan Kriya, I would go to school feeling upset about the previous day’s bitter incidents with classmates. Now, I practice the breathing techniques and feel happy about myself to have so many friends,” says Yuvansh.

71. Overcomes shyness

13-year-old Meera says, “I was a shy person before the Utkarsha Yoga program. Now, I deliver speeches in my school assembly. I am a confident person.”

Medical benefits of Sudarshan Kriya

72. Activates the vagus nerve

Many studies show that sudarshan kriya causes vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which induces physiologic changes in the organs, glands, cortical areas and the limbic system.

73. Enhances Lymphocyte count

Approximately 70% of all immune cells are lymphocytes. Sudarshan kriya practitioners showed increased lymphocyte count by more than five folds compared to non-practitioners, indicating a better immune system.

74. Decreases clinical depression

Antidepressants have harmful side effects. Sudarshan kriya essentially reduces major depressive disorder as effectively as antidepressant drug therapy without any side effects.

75. Reduces everyday blues

In four weeks of practicing Sudarshan Kriya, everyday blues were reduced by one-third in depression patients.

76. Reduces clinical anxiety

Several studies show that 73% of GAD patients (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) administering 12 weeks of drugs and psychotherapy treatment, experienced reductions in anxiety within four weeks, after practicing sudarshan kriya.

77. Decreases everyday anxiety

Sudarshan Kriya significantly reduces non-clinical or everyday anxiety. 41% of patients achieved remission.

78. Reduces cortisol in patients with addiction

In addition to conventional treatment of patients with substance use, Sudarshan Kriya practice doubles its effectiveness in reducing cortisol levels.

79. Increases Natural Killer cells

Studies on cancer patients show that sudarshan kriya increased natural killer cells significantly after 12 weeks of practice compared to the baseline.

80. Leads to healthier blood pressure

Heart rate and blood pressure are the determinants of a healthy heart. sudarshan kriya practitioners show healthy heart rate and blood pressure values.

81. Reduces PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)

One week of sudarshan kriya practice lowers PTSD symptoms. The encouraging results persisted for a year without any follow-ups, yielding long-term benefits.

82. Increases antioxidant enzymes

The practice of sudarshan kriya brings greater antioxidant enzyme levels (glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase.) It protects us from many diseases and rapid ageing.

83. Increases levels of optimism

Optimism in sudarshan kriya practitioners substantially increased in four weeks. Valerie S shares, “I am much more optimistic about my future. I feel that I am not alone. I feel happier, more energetic and just better all around. I feel fulfilled.”

84. Improves Life satisfaction 

The scores changed from ‘slightly satisfied with life’ to ‘being satisfied with life’, one week after sudarshan kriya. These results persisted for four weeks post sudarshan kriya.

85. Positively impacts gene expression

Sudarshan kriya practice positively impacts gene expression. The effects of sudarshan kriya span all levels of physiology – from DNA (within our molecules) to organ systems.

86. Changes in the expression of genes in WBC

Sudarshan kriya changes the expression of genes in white blood cells within two hours of starting the practice.

87. Improves respiration

The respiratory rate dropped by 5% in one week of sudarshan kriya practice and around 15% in three months. The lung capacity increased.

88. Increases mental alertness

Study results indicate increased mental focus and heightened awareness in sudarshan kriya practitioners. It is surprising to note that sudarshan kriya practitioners displayed significantly greater mental alertness (or beta activity).

89. Enhances the feelings of bonding and affection

Studies show that Sudarshan Kriya releases prolactin, vasopressin and oxytocin via vagal afferents to the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary Oxytocin secretions are low in depression patients. With the ‘treatment’ of sudarshan kriya, oxytocin increases.

90. Benefits treatment of cancer

Sudarshan Kriya has a preventive role against cancer. It may be effective as a secondary preventive measure after curative treatment of cancer. It can also delay the progression of cancer.

91. Improves levels of vasopressin

Vasopressin regulates and improves the constriction of blood vessels and reabsorption of water by kidneys in sudarshan kriya practitioners.

92. Provides a ‘corrective emotional experience’

For healing the cognitive distortions and deep emotional wounds resulting from trauma, sudarshan kriya practice is beneficial.

93. Help to recover fast 

After practicing sudarshan kriya, recovery from stressful stimuli is faster.

94. Benefits HIV/AIDS patients

Studies say significant psychological improvements are revealed immediately after the practice of sudarshan kriya.

95. Decreases blood lactate levels

Sudarshan kriya diminishes the blood lactate levels by 87.5% in the highly stressed group of individuals.

96. Leads to Holistic life

Sudarshan kriya practice transforms you from tension to tranquillity to lead a holistic life.

97. Regulates workload

Sudarshan Kriya affects stress regulation which improves workload tolerance capacity for multitasking activities.

98. Increases immunity in The Art of Living teachers 

Sudarshan kriya has improved the physical and mental health of thousands of sudarshan kriya trainers (The Art of Living teachers). Their spiritual growth is profound. They experience a beautiful relationship with self, family and others. Their extended family of volunteers and participants bring completeness to life. Learning in the programs is no more an intellectual concept but a living reality.

You can also be an instrument to impact lives, thus bringing social change. Become an Art of Living teacher. 

• Deepen your wisdom

• Build inner strength

• Develop skills to uplift your community

99. Reduces frequency of the unwanted traits

I have participated in many programs of the Art of Living, and the Sudarshan Kriya experiences have been impactful. My impulsive nature may still persist. Earlier it happened twice a day, now twice a month. I see the reduced frequency of the unwanted traits as a takeaway.

Recapitulation

Sudarshan Kriya benefits all walks of life homemakers, females in prepartum and postpartum periods, students, entrepreneurs, working professionals, victims of violence, war refugees, ex-militants and prison inmates.

Related links:

10 reasons to learn Sudarshan Kriya if you are a student

8 Facts about Sudarshan Kriya from Gurudev himself

Biochemistry of Sudarshan Kriya

Sudarshan Kriya for Depression

Are you not able to be in the present moment? Watch this now – Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Reference links:

Published Research Studies on Sudarshan Kriya in Peer Reviewed Journals

Sudarshan Kriya regulates workload