Antidepressant Efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) in Melancholia: A Randomized Comparison with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Imipramine
Introduction
Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) is a breathing-based technique that involves rhythmic hyperventilation at different rates. This randomized controlled trial compared the antidepressant efficacy of SKY with two standard treatments for melancholic depression: electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and imipramine (IMN).
Background on Sudarshan Kriya Yoga
Sudarshan Kriya (Su=right, Darshan=vision, Kriya=procedure) was developed by spiritual guru Pundit Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation, Bangalore, India. Originally practiced as a stress-management strategy, it was adapted for clinical purposes by removing meditative and philosophical components, focusing solely on specified rhythms of breathing.