The Impact of Bhramari Pranayama and Om Chanting on Post-operative Wound Healing: A Focus on the Nitric Oxide Pathway

Introduction Wound healing is a complex process influenced by various physiological and psychological factors. Stress, in particular, has been shown to impair wound healing by affecting the immune response and slowing the repair process. Yoga-based relaxation techniques, such as bhramari pranayama and Om chanting, have demonstrated the potential to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Material and methods This comprehensive study is a prospective comparative interventional study with a sample size of 268 elective surgery patients. In addition to standard treatment, patients were taught yoga, and various parameters were measured to ensure a thorough evaluation of the impact of these techniques on stress levels and wound healing. Result The intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in wound healing and stress reduction compared to the control group, with the combination of bhramari pranayama and Om chanting showing the most substantial effects. Post-intervention heart rate variability (HRV) low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratios decreased to a median of 3.25 (SD 0.14) in the combination group, compared to 4.39 (SD 0.13) in the control group (p<0.001). Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels increased to 3.49 ng/mL (SD 0.12) from 1.02 ng/mL (SD 0.24) in the control group (p < 0.001). Post-intervention, HRV LF/HF ratios decreased to a median of 3.25 (SD 0.14) in the combination group compared to 4.39 (SD 0.13) in the control group (p<0.001). eNOS levels increased to 3.49 ng/mL (SD 0.12) from 1.02 ng/mL (SD 0.24) in the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, 36% of participants in the combination group achieved Grade 0 wound healing, compared to 16% in the control group (p<0.001). These findings indicate that yoga interventions effectively enhance post-operative recovery. Conclusion This study is pertinent due to the growing interest in integrating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional medical practices to enhance patient outcomes. The intersection of yoga-based practices and wound healing presents a novel approach to post-operative care.