Relative Changes in Hemodynamic Responses on Prefrontal Cortex during Yoga Breathing (pranayama) Practices: A Multichannel Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study

This study explored prefrontal cortex (PFC) hemodynamic responses during specific yogic breathing using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Ten yoga practitioners performed left, right, and alternate nostril breathing. Results showed increased oxygenation in both contralateral and ipsilateral PFC regions, suggesting immediate bilateral brain activation through nostril-specific yogic breathing practices.