Research

Are you interested in deep breathing?

To learn more, please call 503-451-0481, or email pyama@nunm.edu.

NUNM’s Helfgott Research Institute is recruiting for a research study to assess the effects of breath control practices (pranayama) on the autonomic nervous system and blood vessel function.

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are age 25–55 years.
  • Have elevated or high blood pressure (in a range of 120-139/80-89 mmHG).
  • Are not being treated for a chronic disease other than high blood pressure (diabetes, obesity, or other).
  • Have no history of heart disease, seizures, diabetes, or asthma.
  • Are of a healthy weight (BMI between 20–30).
  • Can attend 3 morning study visits over 3-4 weeks (about 60–90 minutes each).
  • Do not regularly practice yoga, mediation, qigong, or breathing exercises more than once per week.
  • Do not have formal certification to teach yoga, meditation, qigong, or breathing exercises.
  • Are a non-smoker and are willing to abstain from products containing tobacco, caffeine, recreational drugs, or excessive alcohol for 12 hours prior to each study visit.

If you are eligible and enroll in the study, you could be compensated with up to $100.

To learn more, please call 503-451-0481, or email pyama@nunm.edu.

This study is being conducted by the Helfgott Research Institute at National University of Natural Medicine.

NUNM IRB #: AL2222017

Principal Investigators: Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH and Erica Sharpe, PhD