Benefits of Pranayama
Of all the yoga exercises that one has been taught in school or has gained information about from videos, teachers, or more, Pranayama is the one that most of us know and have practiced at least once.
Pranayama is considered one of the most effective yogic exercises when balancing out the inner charkas and maintaining calm from within.
This technique allows you to control your breath and your mind and its related activities.
Pranayama is derived from the Sanskrit word, which means “force of life”, along with the ending affix Yama which means “to have control.” Hence, this exercise is directed towards gaining control over your powerful internal energy while also controlling your mind and body.
History of Pranayama
If we date back to the history of Pranayama, then this exercise has been in the Hindu culture for quite a long owing its importance to the concept of prana, which denotes the very form of life in humans. Moreover, if we dig deeper, prana is also the source of all the energy in the body, according to the mythological texts. Hence, giving due importance to Pranayama automatically in a way.
When to practice Pranayama?
You can do Pranayama at any time of the day, as this is a breathing exercise that consistently provides calming energies. But, it would be best to practice Pranayama when heading for a complete yoga session. Pranayama can be your beginning exercise, as it can also be included in your meditation practices.
How to practice Pranayama?
Pranayama is one of the most straightforward exercises that can be easily practiced and involves simple steps during a variety of them.
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1. Sit on the ground while crossing your legs and being relaxed.
2. Try sitting straight while keeping your spine in a straight position throughout.
3. Bring your hands near your nose, and close one of the nostrils with your thumb.
4. You can now inhale in through the other.
5. Now for exhaling, you can close the nostril with your middle finger through which you inhale and open the other nostril for exhaling.
6. Practice this for some time and keep on increasing the pace of breathing in and out.
Types of Pranayama
There are five major types of Pranayama that you can follow:
1. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, also known as the alternate breathing Pranayama, in which one nostril is kept open while the other is closed.
2. Ujjayi Pranayama is also known as Oceanic breath.
3. Bhramari Pranayama is a bee-inspired Pranayama that involves humming sounds.
4. Barika Pranayama or the bellows breath Pranayama
5. Kapalbhati Pranayama is the skull-shining breath Pranayama or “Breath of Fire”, which has been used in Kundalini yoga quite frequently.
Merits of Pranayama
1. Since Pranayama is a breathing exercise, it involves a lot of oxygen inhale while providing your body with enough toxins to get rid of them.
2. You would also have better sleep after doing Pranayama since it reduces insomnia.
3. Drastic reduction in stress levels is also one of the effects of Pranayama.
4. Lung capacity is also increased with this exercise.
5. It is also said that if you have been practicing Pranayama for long enough with the proper technique, you can also awaken your Kundalini, which is the Shakti life force.
6. An increase in psychic powers is also seen after Pranayama.
7. It also lets you have a significant focus while making you concentrate better as well.
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Conclusion
Pranayama is the best remedy to practice and gain benefits in many aspects of life. This is also a yogic, quick and mindful exercise that provides you with wholesome energy for the day.