To Evaluate the Efficacy of Bhramari Pranayama in the Management of Chittodvega w.s.r. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Chittodvegais one of the Manasika Vikara mentioned in Ayurveda. The symptoms ofthis disease can be assumed mostly similar with Generalized anxiety disorder(GAD). Chittodvega can be defined as anxious status of mind. Whenabnormality of manas dosha continues for some time, It may developpsychic symptoms.  In the Charakasamhita vimana sthana Acharya Charak mentioned about two manas dosha Rajaand Tama with its disorder Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Irsya, Maan, Mad,Shoka, Chittodvega, Bhaya, Harsha .The ancient science of yoga emphasizes "Chittavrittininodha" to calm theoscillation of the mind towards stability yoga therapy keeps the mind healthyand strong also reduces stress and promote relaxation.

Theeight classical pranayama are verybriefly and generally described in the Gherandasamhita and Hath yoga pradipika. Bhramari Panayama alsoknown as humming Bee breath is a calming breathing practice that soothes thenervous system. The Bhramari Pramayama breathing technique derives itsname from the black Indian bee called Bhramar, Bhramari pranayama iseffective in instantly calming down the mind, it is one of the best breathing exercisesto free the mind of agitation frustration or anxiety. In Hathyoga pradipika Yogi Svatmarama described Bhramari pranayama –

Breathingin rapidly with a resonance resembling the sound of a bee, exhale slowly, making,the humming sound of a female bee by the yoga which consists in practicingthus, there arises an indescribable bliss in the hearts of the best amongst theyogins. GAD is a disorder requires the presence of unrealistic or excessiveanxiety and worry.  The anxious mood mustcontinue for at least a month. The one year prevalence of generalized anxietydisorder in the general population is about 2.5-8%. It is the commonestpsychiatric disorder in the population. In todays era people have anxietydisorders are one of the most common mental health problem. According to W.H.O.Covid 19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depressionworldwide and told that this is the wake up call to all the countries to setupmental health services and support. According to statistics on average 14percent of Indians suffer from variations of mental health disorders in thecountry.

So many researches shows that ourphysical health is related with our mental health. so mental health is just asimportant as physical health.The anxiety considered as Chittodvega inayurveda text. There are many studies on the effect of Bhramari Pranayamaon various systems, but there are only a few studies present on stress, anxietydepression and other mental disorders. BhramariPranayama is a yogic breathing practice which relieves anxiety, it is safe,easily to do, inexpensive and without side effects. Covid 19 pandemic is turningout to be a major stressor for most of humanity