NEW DELHI: An article in reputed health journal Scientific American titled ‘Proper Breathing Brings Better Health’ has gone viral in India because the journal has posted a tweet sharing the article, writing, “Cardiac coherence breathing exercises can stabilize the heartbeat and have a powerful ability to dampen anxiety” with a photo showing what is commonly known in India as ‘pranayama’ - a popular yoga technique.

The journal faced criticism from several Indians with many saying that the practice is nothing but an ancient yoga routine.

The Twitterati claimed that Scientific American has used a western term to define something which has its origin in India. Some said that it was “cultural appropriation”, while many lashed out at the journal for being so ignorant.

Congress MP from Kerala Shashi Tharoor also criticised the journal and tweeted, “Detailed description of the benefits of the 2500-year-old Indian technique of pranayama, dressed up in 21st c. scientific language as “cardiac coherence breathing”! It’s taking the West a few millennia to learn what our ancients taught us millennia ago, but hey, you’re welcome…”

Detailed description of the benefits of the 2500-year-old Indian technique of pranayama, dressed up in 21st c. scientific language as "cardiac coherence breathing"! It's taking the West a few millennia to learn what our ancients taught us millennia ago, but hey, you're welcome... https://t.co/LLltRZ3pP5 — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) 29 January 2019

It's called by our rishi muni anulom vilom 5000 years BC — SHRUTI DESAI (@aakuraj) 29 January 2019

Oh finally it's science only when west says it(with English name). Have a courtesy to mention it's from Ancient practice #pranayama which is part of #yoga. https://t.co/IXXB8Cpv1a — Shivashankar N (@shivashankar) 29 January 2019

Another case of Turmeric Latte. Pranayama of Yoga called as "Cardiac Coherence Breathing". Next thing we know, it will be patented and sold back to us terming it as superior way of living. Just saying it existed in ancient cultures is not enough. https://t.co/d7K2DKj6kK — Renuka Govind (@Renzz2010) 29 January 2019

Thought of telling Uncle Sam ... this is good old 'Pranayam' but no use. Despite scores of comments below this tweet telling @sciam so .... there does not seem to be any corrective tweet !! https://t.co/8e5bximkFr — Nivedita Khandekar (@nivedita_Him) 28 January 2019

1. Steal knowledge from ancient cultures and native traditions

2. Rename it and erase origins

3. Claim it as your invention, attack native traditions as “superstition.” History of the West. These techniques come from yoga, developed over millennia of research in India. — Sankrant Sanu सानु (@sankrant) 28 January 2019