Vol. 3, Issue 1, Part A (2026)

Yoga and pranayama, two ancient practices originating from the Indian subcontinent, have gained widespread recognition for their potential health benefits, particularly in cardiovascular wellness. This research aims to compare the effectiveness of traditional yoga techniques and modern pranayama practices on cardiovascular health. We conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 120 participants, divided into three groups: traditional yoga, pranayama, and control. The participants underwent a six-week intervention, with cardiovascular health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV), and lipid profiles assessed before and after the research period. Traditional yoga incorporated asanas, meditation, and breathing exercises, while the pranayama group focused on specific breathing techniques. The results demonstrated significant significant improvements in both Yoga and Pranayama groups, with the pranayama group demonstrating the most substantial reduction in systolic blood pressure and improvement in HRV. Additionally, both groups demonstrated enhanced lipid profiles, with the yoga group showing a slightly greater reduction in total cholesterol. The findings suggest that both Yoga and Pranayama can be beneficial for cardiovascular health, with pranayama yielding quicker significant improvements in certain cardiovascular parameters. This comparative research highlights the importance of integrating ancient practices into modern healthcare, advocating for a more holistic approach to cardiovascular disease prevention and management. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings.