21/06/2022
Pranayam/प्राणायाम
तस्मिन् सति श्वासप्रश्वास्योर्गतिविच्छेदः प्राणायामः ॥
“In that state of being in asana or posture, breaking the movement of inspiratory or expiratory breath is regulation of breath.”
In the Ashtanga Yoga(अष्टटांग योग) the fourth limb is "Pranayam"
"Pranayam" is a Sanskrit word.The word is composed of two words "Prana" meaning - life forces or vital energy and "Ayama" to extend/draw out/restrain or control.
So "Pranayam" is the control of breath"Prana" by way of inhalation, retention and exhalation.
The regular practice of "Pranayam" increases and enhances the quantity and quality of "Prana",clears blocked nadis and chakras.
"Pranayama" process involves 3major functions-
1) Inhalation and Exhalation of Air(श्वास प्रश्वास)
2) Retenion of Air (खुभक)
3) Energy Block(खुभ्क)
These have long lasting effects on the body, nervous system and other internal organs.The energy block - खूभक increases the CO2 percentage in the blood which stresses the nervous system and continuous practice results in the nervous system becoming more tolerant.
There are many types of "Prayanam" but out of which Alternate Nostril Breathing or अनुलोम विलोम प्राणायाम is the most important during current time.
Alternate Nostril Breathing or अनुलोम विलोम प्राणायाम:–
Balancing the "Ida" and "Pingla" is one of the main objective of this Prayanam apart from strenthing lungs and providing more oxygen to the organs.If both nadis are balanced then they can awaken sushumna nadi.
In this "Prayanam" breathing is done by the alternate Nostril and then खुभक with बंध इस applied and released from the other nostril.
