Introduction: Surya Bhedana Pranayama is a yogic breathing practice that stimulates the Pingala Nadi. This activation is associated with the generation of heat and energy and with the arousal of the body’s masculine, active processes. Regular practice of this pranayama is believed to strengthen the muscles involved in respiration, since sustained breathing effort conditions the muscles of the lungs and the wider respiratory apparatus.

Aim: The present study set out to assess how Surya Bhedana influences pulmonary function among urban women residing in the Delhi-NCR region.

Material and Methods: Fifty women aged between 30 and 50 years took part in a two-month pranayama training programme, with a mean age of 39.3 ± 2.9 years. Each participant performed Surya Bhedana breathing six days a week across the two months. Tidal volume (TV), vital capacity (VC), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) and expiratory reserve volume (ERV) were recorded for every participant. A paired (matched) student’s t-test was applied, and all analyses were carried out using SPSS.

Results: Following the two-month programme, which involved thirty minutes of daily practice, VC rose from 2825 ± 92.8 to 3208 ± 84.9, TV increased from 472 ± 53.5 to 568 ± 40.5, IRV improved from 1433 ± 51.6 to 1566 ± 47.3, and ERV climbed from 802 ± 49.3 to 998 ± 45.2.