IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-6-3-10330 Original Research Paper Mechanics of Heartfulness meditation in improving outcomes of Bronchial asthma Amarnath Dr. Mrs.Sugirtha Jenitha Dr. Mrs. Ani Elizabeth Dr. March 2017 6 3 01 02 ABSTRACT

 Bronchial asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation with variable and reversible airflow limitation commonly presenting with recurrent episodes of chest tightness, wheezing, breathlessness and cough. Asthma affects people of all ages, beginning with– children, adolescents, young, middle aged and elderly with varying degrees of severity depending on the psychosocial, environmental factors and intercurrent infections. Based on the available data, current asthma prevalence in adults varies between 1.2–6.3 % in most countries.  According to WHO, currently India has 15–20 million asthmatics with a prevalence of 10–15% in children. According to Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, currently, 1 in 13 Americans have asthma causing 2 million emergency room visits each year. Asthma is the third leading cause of hospital stays in American children. Optimal adherences to the treatment protocols, controlling the psychosocial and environmental factors are major contributors to prevent exacerbations. Regular meditation controls anxiety, promotes positive thinking and mental wellbeing, thus leading to a better adherence to treatment, better control of the emotional environment thereby improves symptoms decreases frequency of exacerbations and enhances quality of life.