Pranayam & Its Benefits

Pranayama Yoga & How to do Pranayama

What is Pranayama?

Pranayama is a collection of breathing exercises developed by the ancient yogis for purification, mental focus rejuvenation, and healing. Prana translates into “life force energy,” and Yama translates into “control or mastery of.” Thus, pranayama is a breathing technique used to control, cultivate, and modify the amount, quality, flow, and direction of vital energy in the body. Pranayama is often defined simply as “breath control” and is a primary component in a traditional yoga practice.

Understanding prana

Prana creates an aura around the body. It flows through thousands of subtle energy channels called nadis and energy centers called chakras. The quantity and quality of prana and the way it flows through the nadis and chakras determine one’s state of mind.

Types of Pranayama & How to do Pranayama

The ancient Indian sages knew that some breathing techniques were simple to practice and brought great relaxation to the body and mind. These breathing techniques can be practiced with ease and at any time of the day on an empty stomach.

Let us know types of Pranayama & how to do pranayama one by one:

1. Bhramari pranayama (bee breath)

Is your mind buzzing with activity? Can’t stop thinking about what someone said about you? Find a quiet corner and try the Bhramari pranayama (bee breath) to apply brakes to the buzzing mind. This breathing technique is a boon for those with hypertension.

2. Kapal Bhati pranayama (skull shining breathing technique)

Among the breathing techniques, KapalBhati (skull shining breathing technique) is considered to be the most important. It is also useful for detoxifying the body and clearing the energy channels.

3. Bhastrika pranayama (bellows breath)

Feeling low on energy? Three rounds of Bhastrika pranayama (bellows breath) will get your energy levels soaring!

4. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing technique)

Can’t concentrate on the task at hand? Try nine rounds of nadi shodhan pranayama (alternate nostril breathing technique) followed by a short 10-minute meditation. Nadi shodhan pranayama calms and centers the mind by bringing harmony between both the hemispheres of the brain.

Benefits of Pranayama

The regular practice of breathing exercises can completely change the quality of life that one is leading.

1.Increases and enhances the quantity and quality of prana, thereby increasing our energy levels

2.Clears blocked nadis and chakras, thereby expanding your aura and heightening the spirit

3.Makes one energetic, enthusiastic, calmer and positive. Such a state of mind helps us in making better decisions, having mental strength when dealing with adversities and feeling happier

4.Brings harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, making one physically, mentally and, spiritually strong

5.It brings clarity to the mind and good health to the body

• Books on Pranayama
• There are several books on pranayama that go into much greater detail about the practice. If you are curious about studying and learning more about yogic breathing techniques, we recommend you check out the following books:
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• Pranayama book
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• Light on Pranayama by B K S Iyengar
• The Yoga of Breath: A Step-by-Step Guide to Pranayama by Richard Rosen
• The Breathing Book: Good Health and Vitality Through Essential Breath Work by Donna Farhi
• The Power of Breath: The Art of Breathing Well for Harmony, Happiness and Health by Swami Saradananda
• Pranayama beyond the Fundamentals: An In-Depth Guide to Yogic Breathing by Richard Rosen