Effect Of Uddiyana Bandha On Pupillary Light Reflex among Healthy Individuals- A Randomized Controlled Study

Yoga, an ancient practice, is widely recognised for promoting physical and mental well-being. It encompasses practices like asanas, pranayama, mudra, bandha, meditation and Shatkriyas. These Techniques harmonizes body and mind, addressing imbalances and enhancing overall health. Scientific evidences highlights Yogas ability to activate neuro-hormonal pathways, reduce sympathetic activity, alleviate tension and anxiety, and improve the autonomic nervous system and higher brain functions. Yoga also enhances cognitive functions such as memory, attention span and perception by activating dormant brain regions. Among yogic pratices, bandhas play a critical role in regulating physiological functions. Bandha refers to the voluntary contraction of specific body parts, combined with breath retention. The term Bandha means to Lock, Tighten or Hold. There are four main Bandhas- jalandhra, Uddiyana, Moola and Maha Bandha. Studies suggest that integrating Bandhas with other yogic practices improves forced vital capacity and breath holding time while balancing autonomic functions through sympathetic suppression. The ANS, part of the peripheral nervous system regulates involuntary physiological functions like heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion and arousal. It has two divisions, the sympathetic and parasympathetic system. Conditions like hypertension, Diabetes, Obesity, Stress and anxiety exhibit heightened sympathetic activity, where as parasympathetic activity dominates in restful states. Over the past two decades heart rate variability (HRV), studies have demonstrated yogas role in enhancing parasympathetic functions, particularly through pranayamas, relaxation technique and meditation. ANS activity can be assessed using tools like HRV, Pupillary Light Reflex(PLR), Blood pressure variability (BPV) and baroreflex sensitivity(BRS). Pupillometry, a reliable and cost effective technique, measures autonomic activity by examining PLR. Pupil constriction, regulated by parasympathetic pathways, and dilation, driven by sympathetic pathways, reflect ANS functions. Despite studies on forced vital capacity and breath holding time, no research has explored Bandhas effects on Autonomic function. To address this gap, a randomized controlled trial will evaluate the impact of Uddiyana Bandha on ANS function using PLR in Healthy Individuals. Uddiyana Bandha meaning to rise up, involves abdominal contraction and external breath retention, stimulating digestive organs, reducing tension and enhancing vagal tone. By hypothesizing that Uddiyana bandha increases Parasympathetic activity via Vagal stimulation and stress induced inhibitory signals, this study aims to provide new insights into its effects on autonomic functions.