What is Pranayama?
>> Saturday, March 21, 2009 –
Pranayama,
Yoga terminology
Patanjali divided yoga into eight limbs and out of eight limbs of Yoga. The fourth limb of yoga is known as Pranayama. There are various interpretation of the word Pranayama out of which most popularly accepted explanation is "Regulating the breath so as to make it slow and subtle, leading to the experience of the steady flow of life force energy (prana)."
Practice of Pranayama includes three breathing practices that include Rechaka (exhalation), Puraka (inhalation) and Kumbhaka (intentional holding of the breath). When breath is held inside the lungs it is called Antar Kumbhaka (Inner Kumbhaka), and when breath is held after exhalation it is called Bahya Kumbhaka (Outer Kumhaka).
There are various different kinds of Pranayama, each of them having different technique. The effect of each Pranayama is also different. The common thread between all the techniques is that, all of them lead to control of breath and ultimately to control of mind and prepares us for the next limb of Yoga, which is called Pratyahara, which means drawing the senses inwards and getting detached.
Apart from leading to Pratyahara , Pranayama also helps in cure from various diseases as it increases the Pranic energy (Vital Life Force). It also leads to balance in breathing from both nostrils, which means that both the hemispheres of brain get balanced. It is very easy to concentrate and meditate immediately after practicing pranayama as the mind is in a very calm state during that stage.
Ramdev Effect
Usually Pranayama is recommended by several gurus to be taken up after mastering the asanas as this will prepare the body for Pranayama. However there are several easier versions or modified version of Pranayama, which are mostly popularized by yoga guru Shri Ramdev which has brought Pranayama to door steps of common man. There are millions of people in India who practice Pranayama with Shri Ramdev from 5 am in the morning in their homes following the live telecast from various camps in India. Pranayama is at its peak of popularity in India today, more than it ever was in history. More than 80 million people follow him on TV. In every camp several patients provide testimonials about almost miraculous cures.
I have written few posts on Pranayama which are mentioned below in the Recent Post. Most important part for beginners is to practice without breath retension and people with high blood pressure and heart diseases should practice very slowly.
Kapalbhati Pranayama
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama
Bhramri Pranayama
Jal Neti
Conscious Relaxation
Article on Pranayama from Eternity Yoga
Practice of Pranayama includes three breathing practices that include Rechaka (exhalation), Puraka (inhalation) and Kumbhaka (intentional holding of the breath). When breath is held inside the lungs it is called Antar Kumbhaka (Inner Kumbhaka), and when breath is held after exhalation it is called Bahya Kumbhaka (Outer Kumhaka).
There are various different kinds of Pranayama, each of them having different technique. The effect of each Pranayama is also different. The common thread between all the techniques is that, all of them lead to control of breath and ultimately to control of mind and prepares us for the next limb of Yoga, which is called Pratyahara, which means drawing the senses inwards and getting detached.
Apart from leading to Pratyahara , Pranayama also helps in cure from various diseases as it increases the Pranic energy (Vital Life Force). It also leads to balance in breathing from both nostrils, which means that both the hemispheres of brain get balanced. It is very easy to concentrate and meditate immediately after practicing pranayama as the mind is in a very calm state during that stage.
Ramdev Effect
Usually Pranayama is recommended by several gurus to be taken up after mastering the asanas as this will prepare the body for Pranayama. However there are several easier versions or modified version of Pranayama, which are mostly popularized by yoga guru Shri Ramdev which has brought Pranayama to door steps of common man. There are millions of people in India who practice Pranayama with Shri Ramdev from 5 am in the morning in their homes following the live telecast from various camps in India. Pranayama is at its peak of popularity in India today, more than it ever was in history. More than 80 million people follow him on TV. In every camp several patients provide testimonials about almost miraculous cures.
I have written few posts on Pranayama which are mentioned below in the Recent Post. Most important part for beginners is to practice without breath retension and people with high blood pressure and heart diseases should practice very slowly.
Related Posts
Kapalbhati Pranayama
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama
Bhramri Pranayama
Jal Neti
Conscious Relaxation
Article on Pranayama from Eternity Yoga
