The power of prayer - Extra Health - Brief Article

Yoga mantras and rosary prayer may be good for the heart, a study published in the British Medical Journal reports. During recitation of the Ave Maria and yoga mantra "om-mani-padme-om," subjects' breathing slowed to a rate of about six breaths per minute compared to spontaneous breathing and random talking.

This appears to synchronize breathing with cardiovascular rhythms that also have a six-per-minute cycle, say University of Pavia (Italy) researchers. The results are enhanced heart-rate variability and arterial baroflex sensitivity, both powerful and independent predictors of improved long-term outcome in heart disease.

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