A study of 538 patients has found the ancient Indian form of exercise almost halved the number of symptoms among people with Atrial fibrillation (AF).

Lead author Dr Naresh Sen said, “Our study suggests yoga has wide-ranging physical and mental health benefits for patients with atrial fibrillation and could be added on top of usual therapies.”

The participants attended 30-minute sessions—involving postures and breathing—every other day for 16 weeks.

They were also encouraged to practice the same movements and other routines at home on a daily basis.

This gentle form of exercise led to dramatic improvements, in all areas. For example, when not doing the exercises participants experienced an average of 15 symptomatic bouts of AF.