Pranayama [2020-21]

By the practice of pranayama, the divine fire within the body shines in all its opulence. Prana "refers to the life force or energy", ayama means "to stretch or expand".

The breath and mind are interlinked. Deep and rhythmic breathing calms the mind and body. Irregular and stressful breathing causes trouble in the mind. A calm mind will give you mental support to make better decisions and a life in which you can control them instead of being a victim of circumstances.

Breathing properly is very important for our existence. Our brain runs with oxygen-rich blood, which is supplied with every breath. If you are unable to draw oxygen to your body, you will be brain dead after a few minutes. On the other hand, proper exhaust helps to flush out carbon dioxide. If your ability to exhale was impaired, you could die due to the toxic buildup of carbon dioxide and poison. The right sting causes stress due to inhalation and in fact, 90 percent of illness is related to stress.

Pranayama controls the total function of breathing, this is classified in three phases known as puraka, rechaka and Kumbhaka.

Puraka is controlled inhalation;

Rechaka is controlled exhalation;

Kumbhaka is controlled retention of breath.

'The emptying the mind of the whole of its  illusion is the true Rechaka(exhalation). The realization that "I am Atma(spirit)" is the true true Puraka(inhalation). And the steady sustenance of mind on this conviction is the true Kumbhaka(retention). This is true Pranayama.' - says Shankracharya

Disorders that can heal through Pranayama:-

(a) Hiccough

(b) Wind

(c) Asthma

(d) Cough

(e) Catarrh

(f) pains in the head, eyes and ears

(g) nervous irritation etc.

Rules of Pranayama

1. Do Pranayama empty stomach in the morning. Pranayama is a way of filling fresh air and energy in the mind.

2. Before doing pranayama, take a bath. If we feel refreshed after bathing, it helps to fully reap the benefits of Pranayama. By doing this, your body will be completely filled with mind and soul.

3. There should be enough air and light in the place where you do pranayama. Fresh air is very important, so if you are doing pranayama in a room, then the windows remain open or else it causes dizziness. There should be no noise at that place so that you can concentrate on your practice.

4. Sit on the floor by laying a yoga mat, sit in the posture of doing any meditation such as Padmasana Sukhasana, Siddhasana or Vajrasana.

5. If you can keep your eyes closed while doing pranayama, then focus the vision on one of the nostrils and then close the eyes. If there is any problem in focusing or keeping the tip of the nose, then it is not so.

6. The mental state should be completely calm. There should be no hurry. Absolutely relaxed, no internal thoughts. If you are very distracted or you are in a hurry, do not do pranayam for that day.