The Art of Living Foundation - Developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Sudarshan Kriya® is the core component of the Art of Living Course. It infuses the body with energy and harmonises the natural rhythms of the body, mind and emotions.

Sudarshan Kriya

"We need to do a cleansing process within ourselves. In sleep we get rid of fatigue, but the deeper stresses remain in our body.
Sudarshan Kriya cleanses the system from the inside.
The breath has a great secret to offer."
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Sudarshan Kriya® is the core component of the Art of Living Course. It infuses the body with energy and harmonises the natural rhythms of the body, mind and emotions. By using specific rhythms of breath the Sudarshan Kriya® re-establishes balance in life as it simultaneously floods the cells of the body with oxygen and energy.

Scientific research indicates that there is a very close relationship between the breath, the mind, the emotions and the body. Sudarshan Kriya® links the breath to the mind-body system in a manner that rids the system of accumulated negative emotions, stress and toxins, leaving the mind rested and the body rejuvenated.

In 1998 and 1999, the Sudarshan Kriya® gained recognition from the scientific community when various medical and scientific studies on its benefits were published.

Research demonstrates that Sudarshan Kriya®:

Significantly reduces the levels of blood cortisol, the "stress hormone"
Significantly drops total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels and at the same time increases HDL cholesterol level (good cholesterol). This indicates that Sudarshan Kriya® can be used for the prevention of coronary heart disease
Increases antioxidant enzymes that defend the body from the harmful effects of chemicals and pollutants in the environment
Provides effective relief from depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress
Restores normal sleep patterns
Increases general health, well-being and peace of mind -
Increases alpha waves and prolactin, the "well-being" hormone
Increases beta waves used for concentration
Increases T-helper cells in cancer patients in remission
Boost the immune system through an increase in natural killer cells

In addition, the research indicates that breathing techniques are an effective treatment for depression, both mild and severe, and preliminary evidence suggest a benefit for the effects of smoking, alcohol abuse, marital discord and multiple schlerosis.

* Research was conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and the Bangalore Medical College in India.

Course participants commonly report:

Greater ease and joy in personal relationships
Increased fulfilment at work
A deeper sense of community and belonging to society
An enriched spiritual life

Download the Science of the Breath brochure

More research on Sudarshan Kriya®

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