Prana signifies breath in Sanskrit, while ayama denotes extension. Prana also means “life force,” which is nothing more than our breath. Pranayama is the practise of controlling one’s breath. Pranayama is the expansion and control of prana via various breathing practises. Pranayama aids in the delivery of more oxygen to the body. It also aids in the removal of pollutants.
Hatha yoga considers prana tattwa to be superior to manas tattwa, or mind. Prana is present even while the mind is asleep.
Regular pranayama practise promotes the healthy functioning of the human body’s many systems. The critical systems of the body, including the respiratory system, circulatory system, digestive system, and endocrine system.
Benefits of Pranayama:
- Pranayama slows the ageing process and helps people live longer lives.
- Pranayama increases the supply of oxygen to the body, which aids in fat melting because more oxygen aids in fat burning.
- Pranayam aids in the removal of phlegm, mucus, and tonsillitis.
- Pranayama aids digestion and alleviates constipation.
Pranayama and its Application:
Although prana is one, it has five different names: Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, and Samana. Prana and Apana are the primary agents. Prana is located near the heart and is responsible for respiration. The function of the apana, which is located between the lower abdomen and the anus, is excretion.
The yogi who has mastered the discipline of controlling his prana is fearless in the face of any power in the universe. Some successful people in the world, deliberately or unknowingly, affect “prana,” which yogis can influence as they like.
Purification by flushing out toxins
There is no better method of purification than pranayama. Just like a jeweler removes impurities from gold by heating it in a high furnace and blowing through the blowpipe, a yogi removes toxins by blowing vigorously through the lungs utilizing pranayama breathing methods.
Kapalbhati:
Sit in Padmasana, Ardha Padmasana, or Sukhasana, depending on your level of flexibility, and close your eyes. Take a big breath in through both nostrils. While inhaling, mentally count om three times. Then hold your breath for 12 counts while mentally counting Om, and then slowly exhale in stages while counting Om for 6 counts.
If you have high blood pressure or any heart problems, you should avoid Kapalbhati. If you are unsure, consult your doctor.
Anulom-Vilom (Alternate nostril breathing):
Sit in Padmasana, Ardha Padmasana, or Sukhasana, depending on your level of flexibility, and close your eyes. Close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale as deeply as you can through your left nose. Close your left nostril with your right ring and little finger and exhale through your right nose after releasing your thumb.
Now exhale through your left nostril and inhale through your right. Repeat for a total of 12 times to complete one round. Begin doing two rounds after one week, and strive for three rounds by the third week.
Surya Bhedan Pranayama (Right nostril breathing):
The right nostril, also known as the Pingala nadi, signifies physical energy and the body. Breathing with the right nostril enhances pranic energy, or “life power.” Surya Bhedan Pranayama also boosts physical energy and rejuvenates the body.
Surya Bhedhi Pranayama also enhances digestive system efficiency and strengthens the neurological system. Surya Bhedi pranayama has a specific benefit for the sympathetic nervous system.
Benfits of Surya Bhedi Pranayama:
- Increases body temperature and eliminates “kapha,” or mucous imbalance.
- Surya Bhedan pranayama is really beneficial for weight loss.
- Aids in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.
Process: Sit in Padmasana, Ardha Padmasana, or Sukhasana, depending on your level of flexibility, and close your eyes. Inhale and exhale via your right nostril while using your left thumb to seal your left nostril.
Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean breathing):
The word Ujjayi is derived from sanskrit word “ud” (उद्) + and “ji” (जि): “ujji” (उज्जि). Ujjayi (उज्जायी) means victory.
Ujjayi pranayama requires the practitioner to breathe in (pooraka) via both nostrils while gently constricting the throat and exhale through both nostrils. The friction of air moving past the throat causes a hissing sound. Because the sound is comparable to the sound of waves in the ocean, it is also known as ocean breathing.
Benefits:
- Thyroid is cured by Ujjayi pranayama.
- Snoring can be alleviated by practising Ujjayi Pranayama on a daily basis.
- Ujjayi is beneficial to the heart.
- Tonsillitis, asthma, a cold, and a cough are all treated.
- All throat-related issues have been resolved