According to the ancient Sanskrit texts Pranayam is a proper
breathing technique which can lead us into meditation to heal our mind, body
and spirit ."Pran" means vital force of energy, because of it every
living creature breathes and "Ayama" is the storing and
distribution of energy.
With the increasing pressure of time and work load almost all of
us forget to breathe properly, our posture is almost invariably poor and we go
through life using hardly 30 per cent of our lung capacity. As the cells of
organs such as the heart, lungs, brain cells, blood, muscles and bowel get
deprived of oxygen, disease slowly starts developing. Therefore, it is important
to learn correct breathing, and maintenance of correct posture . According to the ancient Sanskrit texts
Pranayam properly done
can cure all diseases, but wrongly done will invite the same diseases! The
key to perform Pranayama is to loosen the body from the head to the toe and
become an observer to all our thoughts.
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Essentials of performing Pranayam: |
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Practice of Pranayama in a tranquil, open and clean
environment is ideal.
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Pranayama should be performed only on empty stomach and
after passing clear motion.
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Performing Pranayama in a Lotus posture is ideal. In this
posture the backbone is absolutely straight and hence there is a flow of
blood in each and every vertebrae of the body. Since the ribs are upright
there is full oxygen flow in the lungs. Because of this the distribution of
the Prana Vayu (flow of energy) takes place in a complete and systematic way.
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During retention of breath, learn to retain the first
indrawn breath with stability. If stability is lost, it is better to release
the breath , rather than strain to hold it.
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Attempt Pranayama only when the yoga
asanas have been
mastered.
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It has to be practiced with the greatest sincerity and
precision. One has to be ready for Pranayama.
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Take care not to disturb or jerk the vital organs and
nerves, or stress the brain cells.
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Pranayam in action: |
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Sit in asana. Breathe inside slowly, very slowly, allowing the
smooth passage of prana to each molecule, fiber and cell of the body. Expand
diaphragm, so more air will come in lungs. Hold for 4/5 seconds. Exhale slowly
by contracting diaphragm giving the air cells sufficient time to re-absorb the
residual prana to the maximum possible extent. Again hold breath out for 4/5 seconds.
Repeat 3-4 times.
During Pranayama one should be totally in fineness of
inhalation, exhalation and in the naturalness of retention. Each
inhalation activates the Central Nervous System into stimulating the peripheral
nerves and each exhalation triggers the reverse process. During retention
of breath, both processes take place. While inhaling or retaining
the breath in pranayama cycle, remember to ensure that the abdomen does not
swell.
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Benefits of
Pranayam: |
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In pranayama breathing, the brain is quiet and this allows the
nervous system to function more effectively. Benefit of pranayam is that mind gets steady & sharp.
Concentration power increases. Mind can be focused on any micro thing. By
practicing Pranayama, we learn to move energy vertically, horizontally and
cyclically to the frontiers of the body. Another
benefit is that out of triguna- Satvaguna increases and Rajoguna (Wayward), Tamoguna
(lazy) decreases. Increase in satvaguna (seven healthy characteristics) is very necessary for human's spiritual
development.
If you fail after a few cycles, be content with the knowledge
that you have practiced three-four cycles with awareness and attention. Do not
turn away from failures. Accept them and learn from them. Gradually you will
learn to master Pranayama.
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Designed
and Developed by WF Team on
22th June, 2003
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