Comparative Effects of Unilateral and Bilateral Nostril Breathing on Autonomic Function in Yoga Practitioners and Healthy Male Controls

Background: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a central role in regulating physiological homeostasis, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory responses. Yogic breathing practices, including unilateral nostril breathing (UNB) and bilateral nostril breathing (BNB), have been reported to influence ANS balance. However, differential autonomic responses to these practices in Yoga-trained versus untrained individuals remain insufficiently understood.