What is Pranayama?
Praṇayama is the practice of breath control. Pranayama is derived from Sanskrit word Prana and Ayama. “Prana” is Breath or vital energy in the body and “Ayama” means control. So Pranayama is “Control of Breath”. In texts like the Bhagwad Gita and the Patanjali Yog Sutra and later in Hatha Yog texts, it meant the complete cessation of breathing.
Yoga is the union of self to the higher self, i.e. union of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body, man and nature. Pranayama being an integral part of Yogic practice helps to manifest the same.
Five types of Prana are responsible for various pranic activities in the body which are Prana, Udana, Samana, Vyana & Apana. Out of these Prana and Apana are most important. Prana is upward flowing and Apana is downward flowing. Practice of Pranayama achieves the balance in the activities of these Pranas resulting in healthy body and mind.
Why One Should Do Pranayama?
The link between the mental and physical disciplines of yoga is known as Pranayama. While the action is physical, the effect is to make the mind calm, lucid and steady.
One of the most difficult things one can do in life is to control your own mind. After observing the intimate connection between the mind and the breath, ancient yogis developed a series of breath techniques to control their minds.
Our mind is very unsteady and it is constantly affected by the images it sees, hears and experiences through our senses. Pranayama helps us to make our mind focused, so that one can feel more peaceful.
When breath is irregular, our mind is also unsteady. On the contrary when our breath is still our mind also becomes still and peaceful and hence we live long. Therefore, practice breath control.
It enhances our clairvoyance and sixth sense. Our wisdom achieves its highest state and we start exhibiting the highest potential in decision making and actions.
Benefits of Pranayama:
- Improve and maintain health.
- Increase concentration power.
- Pranayama aids in digestion.
- Pranayama boosts immunity.
- Aids in treatment of sleep disorder.
- Arouse inner spiritual force that brings joy and peace of mind.
- Pranayama along with Yogic exercises help us cleanse the body and mind.
- A regular and sustained practice of Pranayama can recharge our whole body.
- On a physical level by using Pranayama techniques we can strengthen our respiratory organs.
Types of Pranayama:
Eight major types of Pranayama that helps in regulating and controlling the breath are as given below:-
- Nadi Sodhana
- Shitali Pranayama
- Sheetkari Pranayama
- Ujjayi Pranayama
- Kapalabhati Pranayama
- Bhastrika Pranayama
- Anuloma & Viloma Pranayama
- Bhramari Pranayama