I read that Sudarshan Kriya technique releases stress. But one web site (didn't refer to Sudarshan Kriya directly though) says that too much Oxygen or rapid and intense breathing can actually damage brain. I do not find any independent, unbiased opinions about this kriya. How does a person know that he or she is not actually doing harm to the self by doing this breathing technique? Even if the effects are not immediately known (Sudarshan Kriya is relatively very young technique), what about down the road, like after 5, 10 years?

Likely, if you are not experiencing any immediate effects from breath work, like dizziness or passing out, you are not going to experience long term effects either. But if you do this breath work and find that you are passing out or becoming lightheaded regularly, then I think it is wise to refrain, or try not to do it with so much intensity. Saraswati

I always tell my students at the start of each class that they should never do anything on their mat that makes them feel unpleasantness or discomfort. If you are anxious about this technique, perhaps you should refrain from it for yourself. I found this link with a series of articles that discuss the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya: http://www.aolresearch.org/published_research.html

ShantiB

The purpose of any pranayama is to focus the heart and mind, as well as cleanse and detoxify the body. I don’t think that if you do too much of anything it is good for you, but if you do a certain type of breathwork in select amounts, I am sure you will be fine! Perhaps you weren’t following instructions properly? My teacher tells me that all breathing is supposed to feel good.

CHATuranga