Hathayogic exercise jalandharabandha in its effect on cardiovascular response to apnoea

Jalandharabandha (JB) is the important constituent of apnoea (kumbhaka) in hathayogic breathing exercises. It is performed by pressing the chin into the jugular notch and creating thus the positive pressure on the neck region. The influence of JB on the heart rate and vasomotor response was studied in relationship to different lung volumes. The course of R-R intervals is highly significantly different according to the type of apnoea. JB leads to the diminution of bradycardia, but does not change the position of the maximum and minimum in comparison to the apnoea without JB. Application of JB increases the number of vasodilatations and shortens the latencies of vasodilatations, duration and amplitude of reactions. JB during breath holding decreases the vagal reflex changes and may thus work as a stabilizing component in yogic breathing exercises.