Pranayama
"When the Breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the Breath is still, so is the mind still."
— Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Pranayama is derived from two Sanskrit words, 'Prana' (life-energy/force) and 'Ayama' (control). Pranayama therefore means control of life force. This vital energy flows through your body and gives you life.
There are five types of Pranas which together maintain the entire function of our physical body: Prana, Apana, Vyan, Udana and Samana. Out of these, Prana and Apana are most important. Prana is upward flowing and Apana is downward flowing. Practice of Pranayama achieves the balance in the activities of these Pranas, which results in healthy body and mind.
Types of Pranayama
Omkar
Brahmari
Sheetali
Sheetkari
Ujjayi
Agnisar
Bhastrika
Anulom-Vilom
Nadi Shodhana
Suryabedi
Chandrabedi
Sivananda Pranayama
Know Your Breathing Power
Pranayama is the science of breath. It is the hub around which the wheel of life revolves.
Sitting
Walking
Running
Lust & Anger
Pranayama (Omkar/Brahmari)
"A Yogi measures the span of life by the number of breaths, not by the number of years."
— Swami Sivananda
Benefits of Pranayama
Develops the power of concentration
Purifies the body and the mind
Prepares us for meditation
Deals with depression, negativity, stress and anxiety
Induces lightness of body and inner peace
Better sleep and sharp memory
Increases life span
All diseases can be avoided, prevented and controlled
Strengthens, protects and energizes body and mind
Sitting Posture for Pranayama
Sit in a steady and comfortable posture. Keep your spine and head erect. You can keep your hands on the knees in Gyan Mudra posture (join the tips of the index fingers to the tips of the thumbs while keeping the other fingers extended and loose). Close your eyes gently. Relax all the muscles. Make sure the body and mind are relaxed.
Pranayama is a science and one must learn it properly under the guidance of a professional Yoga teacher.