Parayanam

Prana is a subtle invisible force that pervades the body and connects the body with the mind. In a nutshell, it is the connecting link between the body and the mind. Pranayama is the centre of all the yoga techniques. It is the self energizing force which embraces the body.

1. Chandra Bheda Pranayama

The word chandra means ‘moon’ and bheda means ‘to pierce’ or ‘to pass through’. In essence it is a form through which breath passes through the left nostril. Left nostril indicates Ida nadi (mental energy) which is a sign of lunar energy and hence the name Chandra Bheda Pranayama. Through this practice the mental energy is stimulated. This helps to relax and calm the muscles of the upper body.

Benefits of Chandra Bheda Pranayama

• Helps Self Introspection
• Improvises control over hunger and thirst
• Reduces body heat
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Calms Mind
• Induces muscular relaxation
• Helps building up mental tranquility

2. Surya Bhedan Pranayama (Energizing your Breath)

Pingala Nadi or the right nostril represents the physical energy of body which is important for the metabolic processes. Breathing with the right nostril increases the efficiency Pranic energy, the physical energy, to revitalize the body. It increases the efficiency of digestive system, also boosts the nervous system.

Benefits of Surya Bheda Pranayama

• Effective in Weight Loss
• Ups the energy flow and vitality.
• Helps cure depression and anxiety.
• Effective in curing mental illnesses.
• Provides all benefits of Deep Breathing as well.

3. Anuloma Vilom Pranayama

which means “alternate” in Sankrit is also known as Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama which simply means breathing through alternate nostrils of nose. While the pranayama is easy to do without an expert it is advisable to do with the under any expert supervision. The following is the procedure for doing the pranayama.

Increased duration of this exercise will give better results :

Procedure for doing Anuloma Vilom Pranayama :

• Pick a comfortable seating position and relax with your eyes closed.
• Cover your right nostril with the right thumb.
• Take deep breathe and completely fill the lungs with the left nostril open.
• Release the breath out from right nostril.
• Repeat the same procedure with left nostril covered.

Note : It is advisable to keep track of the climate while performing the Anuloma Vilom Pranayama. In summer begin with Chandrasvar (the left nostril) and in winter begin with Suryasvar (the right nostril).

Benefits of doing Anuloma Vilom Pranayama :

• Helps body function better.
• Helps in creating & balancing right hormones in body.
• Helps in securing peace by driving out thoughts.
• Helps those who are in depression.
• Helps in releasing stress levels & daily tension.

4. Kapalbhati Pranayam

An art of meditative technique of using both nostrils which leads to contraction of middle and lower abdomen portions and helps in clearing nasal passages. This passive breathing and forceful exhalation can be stretched to as far as 100/strokes/minutes.

Benefits of doing Kapalbhati Pranayama :

• Cleanses capillaries of remotest part of the body.
• Energizes and purifies front part of the brain.
• Helps in curing asthma, diabetes and chronic bronchitis.

5. Bhastrika Pranayam

An art of meditative technique of using both nostrils which leads to contraction of middle and lower abdomen portions and helps in clearing nasal passages. This passive breathing and forceful exhalation can be stretched to as far as 100/strokes/minutes.

Procedure for practicing Bhastrika Pranayam :

• Adopt a comfortable sitting posture; put your hands on your knees & relax. Ensure you keep your head, neck and body erect.
• Breathe in forcefully via both your nostrils, till you fill your lungs and the stretch your diaphragm. Be sure to keep your mouth closed.
• Breathe out forcefully. Care should be taken to avoid blowing up of abdominal cavity due to the air breathed in. Acknowledge a hissing sound produced in the process.

Benefits of Bhastrika Pranayam :

• Relieves inflammation of the throat.
• Boosts up your metabolic rate making fats.
• Burns fat faster thus helping as natural weight loser.
• Cures diseases which arise from excess of wind, bile and phlegm.
• Also helpful in curing oxygen deficiency disorder.

6. Agnisar Pranayama

Agnisar Pranayama is the necessary part of pranayama other six Bhastrika, Kapalbhati, Bahya, Anulom-Vilom, Bhramri and Udgeeth.

Method of Practice :

• Attain a comfortable sitting position and close your eyes and focus on your breathing.
• Let out slow, deep and stable breathe. Stop the breathe outside, viz., Perform Bahirmukh. Stretch both the hands straight and keep them on the knees with slight pressure. Contract and expand the stomach. Try to touch the navel deep inside the stomach.
• Keep your stomach and hands normal before taking slow normal breaths.

Note : In this one cycle of Agnisar pranayama one can contract and expand the stomach at least ten times.

Few Benefits of doing Agnisar Pranayama include :

• Helps in curing asthma, tuberculosis and other serious diseases.
• Improves elimination of waste and excess fat from the abdomen region.
• Increases energy flow and elevates mood.