The yoga science strongly believes that ‘breath’ is the largest source of energy in a human body. The breath, known as ‘prana’ in Sanskrit can be exercised to channelize it towards optimum benefit of the mind, body and soul. Yoga Pranayama represents a well-researched and practiced amalgamation of certain yoga asanas and breathing exercises that help regulate and control the breath for mental, physical and spiritual upheaval.
There have been certain yoga luminaries whose survive for years on the mere practice of Yoga Pranayama, without the inclusion of any additional element in their diet. Yoga Pranayama is a unique science that goes much beyond the ordinary.
The Incredible Benefits of Pranayama explicitly present the importance of yoga in daily life and how Yoga Pranayama can eliminate or manage nearly 80% of internal disorders in a human body:
- An excellent anti-ageing therapy
- Stimulates oxygen flow which helps render glow to the skin and also promotes fat loss.
- Stimulates positivity and optimism
- Regulates digestion process
- Improves the functioning of respiratory system by increasing lung capacity
- Activates autonomic nervous system, sympathetic nervous system, and parasympathetic nervous system. Helps ease anxiety, stress, depression, and lethargy.
- Cures throat related disorders such as tonsils, phlegm, etc.
4 Major Types of Pranayama Therapy and Their Applications:
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Bhastrika Pranayama
Excellent pranayama for people suffering from coronary disease, respiratory problems, arthritis, obesity, depression, throat infection, gastric disorders, neurological issues and much more.
How to practice: Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor in Padmasana (lotus position). Take a deep breath and fill your lungs with air. Hold for a second. Exhale the air completely while making a hissing sound. Inhale and exhale the same way for 2-5 minutes.
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Kapalbhati Pranayama
Kapalbhati or the skull shining technique is an ideal pranayama for enhancing brain activity, curing digestive, respiratory and renal disorders, fighting obesity and breast cancer, treating sinus, constipation and diabetes and, several more ailments.
How to practice: Sit in padmasana or lotus position. Inhale deeply to the extent your stomach is completely pulled in. Exhale with a hissing sound. The inhalation should be done smoothly without exerting any artificial pressure. The process of deep inhalation happens naturally after deep exhalation. Repeat this for 2-10 minutes while maintaining an average pace.
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Bahya pranayama
Bahya Pranayama is practiced after Kapalbhati. This type of pranayama provides excellent remedy for curing hernia, gastric problems, diabetes, prostate problems, and reproductive organs related issues as well.
How to practice: Sit in Padmasana or Siddhasana pose. Evacuate the lungs completely by deep inhalation and exhalation. Hold the breath and apply all the three bandhas in your body (the chin lock or Jalandhar Bandha, the stomach lock or Uddiyana Bandha, and the root lock or Mulabandha). Hold these bandhas for 5-15 seconds depending upon your comfort level before releasing these with deep exhalation. Repeat this for 2-7 minutes.
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AnulomVilom Pranayama and NadiShodhan
The NadiShodhan pranayama is an ideal breathing exercise for complete detoxification of the mind and body. It is also performed for alleviating coronary issues, strengthening the nervous system, improving concentration, achieving a healthy glowing skin, relieving stress, improving respiratory system, eliminating gastric disorders, asthma, neurological disorders, etc.
How to practice: Sit comfortably in a chair or on the ground. Close your eyes. Now, press the right nostril with right thumb and, deeply inhale through the left nostril. Next, close the left nostril with the forefinger and, deeply exhale through the right nostril. Repeat for 5-10 minutes in a fluid motion.
Recommended Tips:
- Pranayama can be performed during evening and morning both.
- Pranayama should ideally be performed on an empty stomach. Please ensure a gap of at least five hours between consuming a meal and pranayama practice.
- Always practice with a positive frame of mind to gain optimum benefits from the therapy.
- Practice pranayama in a space where you can breathe in fresh air. Keeping scented candles and an earthy décor can help maximize its experience.
- Beginner level practitioners are advised to undergo Yoga or Meditation Retreats in India or a Yoga TTC in India in order to gain proper guidance and knowledge before taking up the practice independently.
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