Effect of Yoga Pranayama (Breathing Techniques) on the Vagus Nerve in Countering Major Depression and Related Ailments; A Literature Review

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a major psychiatric condition associated with functional impairment and high levels of morbidity and mortality (M. Li, 2015) (Lohoff, 2010). It is characterized by mode alterations, diminished interests, impaired cognitive function and vegetative symptoms such as disturbed sleep and appetite changes (Christian Otte, 2016) are common patients suffering from MDD. Our nervous system is built around the balance and harmony of two opposing activities (Laurie Kelly McCorry, 2007).
1. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is associated with the fight or flight response.
2. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is associated with relaxation, digestion, and regeneration.
These two systems are meant to work in rhythmic alternation, a process that supports healthy rhythms of alertness and restfulness that facilitate physical and mental health (Shah, 2018). In order to treat ailments such as MDD, many techniques are used to stimulate the vagus nerve for better functioning (Bruno Bonaz, 2018). Different forms of pranayama tends to activate different branches of the autonomic nervous system, this causes positive changes to the oxygen consumption, metabolism and skin resistance. The literature evidence gathered states that the mechanisms of the vagul nerve stimulation helps in the parasympathetic activation in an event of stress depression and major depression. When the pranayam is mixed with certain yogic asana’s while controlling the breath, it seems to have a better countering of MDD and related disorders.