Pranayama and Yoga Asana

Pranayama preempts a very valuable place in Indian religion. Pranayama is an facet of Yoga, that deals with breathing. Pranayama is control of Breath". "Prana" is Breath or vital energy in the body.

Pranayama is a technique of controlling prana or life force through the regulation of breathing. It is the breathing process or the retain of the motion of inhalation, exhalation and the retention of vital energy. It inheres of series of exercises especially intended to meet the body's needs and keep it in vibrant health.

Pranayama helps to control this life force in a preferable and extra ordinary way to reap maximum benefits. Pranayama reduces the toxins and body residue from within our body. It prevents one from procuring diseases. Pranayama helps in one's digestion.

Pranayama elaborates our concentration and focus. It disputes away stress and relaxes the body. Controlling one's breathing also results to stillness and peace of mind. Pranayama provides a better self-control. Pranayama can be hierarched only gradually. It may take months or even years earlier the practitioner mind becomes receptive to the regulated flow of breath and he experiences the full benefits of pranayama.

Correct practice of pranayama can master almost any disease but improper practice may give rise to all sorts of respiratory ailments. So one should take care to develop control over his breath gradually. There are many forms of Pranayama and some include sukha Pranayama (Victorious Breath) ,kapalbhati (Cleansing Breath) ,bhastrika (Bellows Breath) and nadi shodhan (Alternate nostril Breath).

Sushumna is the most essential of all the Nadis. Sushumna runs along the centre of the spinal cord or spinal column. Superior to the genital organs and beneath the navel is the Kanda, of the shape of a bird's egg. Kundalini is the serpent power or sleeping Sakti.

Kundalini is like a thread and is magnificent. When it is roused it hisses like a serpent beaten with a stick and enters the hole of Sushumna. Shitali Pranayama breath cools the body so it is better done in hot weather or at the end of a energetic yoga session.

Viloma means against a natural order. In this pranayama inhalation or exhalation is not a ongoing process but is suspended by several pauses. It can be done either lying down or in a sitting posture. This practice brings a feeling of relieve and lightness to the body.

One more Pranayama is Ujjayi Pranayama. Ujjayi breathing has many changes. In this form of Pranayama, while doing Pooraka, because of the friction of air in the throat, a typical sound is created.

Other Pranayama is bhramari. Helpful for pregnant women and in labour preparation. Kapalabhati is a breathing approach used specifically for cleansing. If we have a lot of mucus in the air passages or feel tension and cloggages in the chest it is often benefitial to breathe rapidly. Nadi Shudhi cleanses and tones up whole nervous system. People suffering from cough and cold benefit greatly. Heart is strengthened. Blocked nostrils are cleared. Pranayama needs deep concentration and attention. It is always best to have the practice in a constant sitting posture.