“Prana” means Breath and “ayama” means control. So Pranayama means “Control of Breath” or holding up of the process of exhaling and inhaling. Pranayama is a way of attaining higher states of awareness and balance in the activities of the different types of pranic activities in the body. This results in healthy body, mind and soul.
Types of Pranayama
- Quiet Breathing
- Deep Breathing
- Fast Breathing
- Tribandha and Pranayama
- Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama
- Anuloma – Viloma
- Suryan Bhedan Pranayama
- Ujjayi Pranayama
- Bhramari Pranayama
- Pranayama from Hatha Yoga
Effects of Proper Breathing
- Relives all breathing problems
- Facilitates maximum capacity utilization of the lungs
- Regulates the temperature of the breath flow
- Develops concentration and clarity
- Increases the mental and physical powers of endurance
- Provides deeper relaxation to the nervous system
- Provides relief from pain due to compression of nerve endings
- Increases oxygen supply to the brain which in turn helps controlling the mind
Pranayama should be performed under the supervision of an expert ayurvedic physician and yoga specialist. If not performed properly, it can be harmful to the person and may cause various problems.