Impact of fast pranayama (Bhastrika and Kapalabhati) on metabolic parameters in a patient with metabolic syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors, including central obesity, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, and hypertension, all of which elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Interest has grown in complementary practices such as yoga and pranayama for managing these risk factors. This case describes the impact of a three-month fast pranayama intervention, specifically Bhastrika and Kapalabhati, on metabolic health in a 43-year-old male IT professional with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes who was undergoing oral hypoglycaemic therapy with metformin. The supervised practice was carried out six days per week for three months, and metabolic parameters were evaluated before and after the intervention. Notable improvements were observed across multiple domains: fasting plasma glucose decreased from 152 to 128 mg/dl, postprandial glucose from 214 to 186 mg/dl, and HbA1c from 7.6% to 6.8%. Triglyceride levels reduced from 280 to 210 mg/dl, while BMI and waist–hip ratio declined from 34.2 to 32.5 kg/m² and from 1.02 to 0.98, respectively. Blood pressure decreased from 134/86 mmHg to 124/80 mmHg, and the patient reported increased energy and overall well-being. These findings suggest that fast pranayama may offer meaningful adjunctive benefits in the management of metabolic syndrome and support the need for further controlled studies to validate its therapeutic potential.