What is Pranayama? Why is it important?

What is Pranayama? Why is it important?

                Hatha-Yoga comprises of pranayama and asanas (bodily postures). We focus on pranayama in this article. The Sanskrit work “prana “means ‘cosmic energy’ or ‘vital force’. It also signifies ‘life’ or breath’. “Ayama” means control of this prana. Hence pranayama means the control of vital force by concentration and regulated breathing. Without prana, there can be no life, for it is the soul of all force and energy. It lives in each living being and thought is the highest and most refined action of prana.

As we breathe, the movement of lungs inhaling air is the expression of prana. Pranayama is not simply the breathing, but the control of the muscular force activating the lungs. Every living being can easily absorb prana through fresh air in the process of 3 kinds of breathing- normal, deep and controlled yogic breathing. With normal breathing, the amount absorbed is normal. With deep breathing, the volume absorbed is increased and with controlled Yogic breathing we are able to store a large quantity of prana in the brain and nervous centers. This may be used in emergency moments in life when we have to overcome unexpected difficulties. This store of prana also builds up our resistance to contagious diseases. In contract, if we breathe irregularly, the equilibrium of the pranic current will be disturbed provoking a number of disorders within.

Prana is accumulated where our mind is concentrated. There is deep affinity between the prana and the mental force. Thought is the absolute master controlling prana-energy. Just as we can make ourselves feel ill or weak by thinking negative thoughts so can we cure ourselves by replacing these with optimistic ones. Hence correct and rhythmic breathing creates harmony within the body as well as the nervous system.

Speaking from a physiological sense, pranayama can help towards proper functioning of various systems at work within the body. For example take the kidneys and bowels, the inhalation, exhalation and holding of the breath cause continuous considerable movement and massage. The surrounding nerves and muscles are strengthened. They benefit not only from the exercise during pranayama but also for the remaining part of the day. The same holds for the lungs. Healthy breathing causes the chest muscles to be stretched to the maximum and the lungs are opened as far as possible, thus are better prepared to carry out their tasks.

Let’s practice the basis for al breathing patters – Complete yogic breath. It consists of three parts: – (i) abdomen, (ii) middle part of the chest – rib cage/thorax, (iii) upper chest or collar bones. Almost all breathing practises are done through the nose as is this one. To experience this, sit straight, place one hand on the abdomen and the other hand on the rib cage. Breathe in slowly; feel the abdomen expand first, then the rib cage, and finally feel the air filling the upper chest. As you breathe out; let the abdomen cave in first, and then the rib cage. This should be practiced on a regular basis before moving onto other pranayamas.

To breathe is to live. Breath is ever present and our only companion. Right from the moment a new born baby fills its lungs, to the last gasp of a dying man. “Life is nothing, but a series of breaths”

Thanks to Zen Yoga for highlighting this in their September newletter.


Categories: Experiences

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