Yogic agnisara increases blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery

Abstract

Objectives: Medieval yoga texts claim that a special exercise of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, called agnisara, improves digestive function. Main objective of the study was to demonstrate change in the blood flow through superior mesenteric artery (if any) after performance of agnisara.

Methods: Ultrasound examination of the linear and volumetric indicators of blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) before and after performing the agnisara yoga exercise 100 times was carried out in 12 healthy volunteers of both sexes (8 of them women).

Results: A significant increase in the diameter of the SMA, peak systolic and diastolic velocities, and blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery after performing the agnisara exercise 100 times was found, which contrasts with the established data on a decrease in splanchnic blood flow in humans in response to normal physical activity.

Conclusion: Properly performed agnisara increases blood flow to the splanchnic region, registered by the SMA, which should contribute to adequate blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract for successful performance of digestive function.

Keywords: Agnisara; Exercise; Superior mesenteric artery; Uddiyana bandha; ultrasound Doppler flowmetry.