Effect of om chanting and yoga nidra on blood pressure and lipid profile in hypertension – A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Hypertension (HTN) is a major public health concern, and elevated blood pressure (BP) is a distinct risk factor for all - causes of morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: Considering the growing evidence of yoga interventions in the management of hypertension, the objective of the current randomized controlled study is to assess the effect of OM chanting and Yoga nidra (Relaxation technique) on BP and lipid profile in individuals with HTN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with diagnosed HTN were recruited and randomized equally to either the experimental group or the control group. Patients in the experimental group received a combination of OM chanting and Yoga nidra, five days a week for a period of 2 months and patients in the control group continued with their regular conventional medications. BP and lipid profile parameters were assessed at baseline, 30th day and 60th day for both the groups. RESULTS: After 2 months of intervention, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the BP and lipid profile was observed in the intervention group when compared to the control group. The reduction in systolic and diastolic BP and LDL were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the experimental group. In addition, there is a significant increase in HDL levels in the experimental group. No adverse events were reported during the trial period. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates the efficacy of Om chanting and Yoga nidra in reducing blood pressure and improving lipid profiles in patients with HTN. These particular yoga interventions could thus be considered a safer form of complementary therapy in the management of HTN, alongside conventional management. REGISTRATION: Clinical trial identifier- CTRI/2020/02/023400.