The real power of yogic heart control - what science reveals

Have you ever heard stories of yogis who could stop their hearts at will? For many yoga enthusiasts, these tales spark both wonder and curiosity. Could dedicated practice of breathwork and meditation really grant such extraordinary control over the body? In the 1960s, a team of scientists set out to explore these claims, bringing modern medical equipment into the world of ancient yogic practice. The findings offer fascinating insights that every yoga lover can relate to.

Researchers traveled across India in search of yogis who claimed they could stop or dramatically slow their hearts using traditional techniques. While these stories had been passed down for generations—and even witnessed by some doctors—the team wanted to see what actually happened inside the body during these practices.

Four practitioners agreed to participate. Each had their own method, but the core of their practice involved deep breath retention, intense muscle engagement, and advanced postures. For example, one yogi, Shri Sal Gram, stood in a semi-crouched position, took a deep breath, and tensed his entire body. Observers noted that his pulse and heart sounds seemed to vanish briefly. However, when scientists looked at the electrocardiogram (ECG)—a direct measure of the heart’s electrical activity—they saw that his heart never actually stopped. The “disappearance” was more a trick of the senses than a true halt in heart function.

Another yogi, Shri Ramananda Yogi, used powerful breath holds and muscle contractions. His pulse became so faint that it was nearly undetectable, and his heart sounds went silent to the stethoscope. Yet, the ECG told a different story: his heart continued to beat, even if the rhythm changed slightly. Interestingly, his blood pressure soared during these maneuvers, and his heart rate would spike once he resumed normal breathing. The body was working hard, but it was never truly at rest.

A third practitioner, the renowned Shri T. Krishnamacharya, allowed limited testing. He used breath control and muscle tension but, like the others, never managed to actually stop his heart. Sometimes his pulse couldn’t be felt at the wrist, but the heart itself kept going, as shown by the ECG.

The fourth participant, Shri N. R. Upadhyaya, didn’t claim to stop his heart—only to slow it dramatically. Using advanced postures like uddiyana (raising the diaphragm with an inward abdominal movement) and jalandhara bandha (chin lock), he managed to extend the time between heartbeats up to three seconds. The ECG even showed a temporary change in his heart’s electrical rhythm, but again, the heart never stopped. This yogi’s ability to slow his heart was real and measurable, achieved through years of dedicated practice.

So, what does all this mean for yoga practitioners today?

The legendary yogic feat of stopping the heart appears to be more myth than reality, but the power of yoga to influence the body is very real. Through breathwork, focused attention, and specific postures, yogis can slow their heart rate, change their blood pressure, and even alter the rhythm of their heartbeats. These abilities don’t require supernatural powers—just patience, discipline, and a deep mind-body connection.

Reflecting on these fascinating findings, it becomes clear that the true marvel of advanced yoga practice isn’t about stopping the heart, as old legends suggest, but about achieving an extraordinary level of voluntary control over heart rhythm and rate. With dedicated breathwork, posture, and mental focus, yogis can slow their heart rate and even temporarily change the heart’s electrical rhythm—something rarely seen in healthy individuals outside of clinical settings.

This serves as a powerful reminder for all of us on the yoga path: while ancient stories may be embellished, the real magic lies in the mind-body connection cultivated through practice. The ability to consciously influence heart rate and stress response is not just a myth, but a trainable skill with real, measurable effects. Science is now catching up to what yogis have intuitively known for centuries—through mindful practice, it’s possible to tap into deep reserves of self-regulation and inner calm.

For anyone interested in yoga and wellness, this discovery is both validating and inspiring. It encourages continued exploration of the subtle capabilities of the body, knowing that every breath and every moment of focused awareness brings us closer to mastering our own well-being. You may not be able to stop your heart, but you can absolutely learn to calm it, slow it, and bring your entire system into a state of deep relaxation and control. This is the true magic of yoga: the ability to influence your body from the inside out, using nothing more than breath, movement, and awareness. 

Your practice has the power to transform not just your mind, but your heart as well.

Tips for yoga practitioners:

Practice breath retention (kumbhaka) and bandhas (uddiyana, jalandhara) safely and gradually under qualified guidance. These techniques affect heart rate and circulation through physical changes, not mystical powers. Avoid long or forceful holds, especially with heart issues.

Prioritize gentle pranayama like slow, deep breathing to reduce stress and support heart health. Regular practice calms the nervous system and improves cardiovascular wellness.

Focus on science-backed benefits of yoga—stress reduction, well-being, and body awareness—rather than myths of superhuman feats. Safety and mindfulness matter most for a healthy practice.

Inspired by the research of M.A. Wenger, Circulation,1961.

doi: 10.1161/01.cir.24.6.1319