20/04/2021
*Pranayam*
Pranayam is broadly understood as breath control but this is partly correct.
*तस्मिन सति श्वासप्रश्वासयोर्गतिविच्छेद: प्राणायाम :|*
After learning Asana, changing or regulating pace of normal breathing and stopping it is Pranayam.
•The word Pranayam is composed of two words Prana+ Ayama= Vital energy / life force + Expansion /stretching so expansion of diamensions of Prana. (life force)
•Prana (life force ) is sukshma (subtle) than air we inhale.Breath is tool of Pranayam, which influences flow of Prana in the nadis.
•All physical and Mental activities such as exercise, work, sleep, food intake, thinking, imagination, emotions are affected by flow of prana.
•Irregularities in lifestyle, diet & stress obstruct flow of prana & leads to devitalization of the organs & disease arise. Pranayam influences the activities of each & every cell, most importantly performance of brain.
•Rythmic, deep & slow respiration stimulates brain.
•It is true that mind is king of senses but the breath is the king of mind.
*चले वाते चलं चित्तं निश्चले निश्चलं भवेत |*
*योगी स्थाणुत्वमाप्नोति ततो वायुं निरोधयेत ||*
When Prana is unstable mind becomes unstable, when Prana is still/steady mind also becomes still. So by practicing Pranayam yogi attains steadiness and should thus restrain the vayu.
Most people breath incorrectly using very small part of lung capacity, so they are deprived of Prana.
In all Pranayam is science of Breath. Where we learn regulation, prolongation and restraining of inhalation, exhalation & retention.
*How Pranayam Benefits?*
•Increases energy level & awareness level.
•Influences all most all the systems in the body.
•Reduces breathing rate, heart rate, ageing process, wear & tear of internal organs.
•Most important for nowadays situation is Pranayam increases lung capacity.Practising Yogasan & Pranayam on daily basis can benefit those suffering or suffered from respiretory, heart problems, insomnia, nervous disorders, migran etc.
•By increasing oxygen capacity to brain provides complete relaxation to the nervous system. Provides inner peace, sharpens memory, refines concentration.
•Controls our mind,impactful on emotions, helps to control negetive emotions like anger, hatred, jealousy, greed, arrogance etc, prepares mind for meditation.
•Pranayam by relaxing mind & body decreases stress hormone ®ulates stress.
•Pranayam benefits physically, physiologically, mentally, spiritually.
*प्राणायामेन युक्तेन सर्वरोगक्षयो भवेत|*
*अयुक्ताभ्यासेन सर्वरोग समुद्भव:||*
By proper practice of Pranayama all diseases are eradicated but by improper practice all diseases can arise.
*So Pranayam should be performed under guidance.*
Dr. Ruchika Patil.
B.A.M.S
Yoga consultant
Arogyam Ayurveda & Medical Yoga.
