Is it permissible to practice the breathing exercises performed by some Hindu monks, without the intention of worship or drawing closer to God?

The focus on relaxation therapy and breathing exercises has been associated with the spread of "Neuro-Linguistic Programming" (NLP) and self-development courses, which have pagan origins. What further raises suspicion about these exercises is that they are usually practiced by Hindu monks.

If it is medically proven that breathing in this manner is beneficial and has a tangible sensory effect based on the experiences and research of doctors, then there is no harm for the patient in using it for treatment, especially if it is the only available method.

However, if a doctor recommends it without knowing its permissible sensory effect, or without understanding how it affects the body, then it is not permissible. This is because it involves imitating disbelievers without a proven permissible sensory benefit.

Shaykh Salih Aal Al-Shaykh mentioned that whoever adopts a means that is neither cosmic (natural) nor শরعي (religiously prescribed) and relies on it, has committed minor shirk (associating partners with Allah). Means are of three types: those permitted by Sharia, which are permissible; those not permitted by Sharia but are natural causes, such as treating oneself with forbidden substances, which is not permissible; and those that are neither a Sharia-prescribed cause nor a natural cause, and relying on them is minor shirk.