Immediate effect of trataka on blood pressure indices in individuals with primary hypertension — a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertension control remains a major global challenge. The behavioral approaches recommended for blood pressure reduction are stress reduction, increased exercise and healthy dietary habits. Some study findings suggest that yoga has a beneficial effect in reducing blood pressure. This study was done to assess the effect of trataka a yogic cleansing technique on heart rate variables in patients with hypertension and thereby substantiate the clinical understanding of its effect on blood pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects with primary hypertension within the age group of 25-45 years who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited for the study were randomized into Control and yoga group after obtaining their written informed consent. The yoga group practiced trataka for 30 minute with guided instructions and the control group was asked to sit calmly for 30 min minute. The participant’s blood pressure and heart rate variability were recorded before and after the practice. RESULTS: The individuals who practiced trataka showed significant reduction in SBP (p<0.05), MEAN HR (p<0.05), and MEAN RR (p<0.05) after the practice. There was no significant changes observed in control as compared to yoga group. CONCLUSION: The practice of trataka leads to significant reduction in blood pressure and heart rate in primary hypertensive patients. Though trataka is considered as a cleansing technique, it induces calm state of mind, which is similar to a mental state reached by the practice of meditation, which can reduce stress and henceforth blood pressure.