WHAT IS PRANAYAMA?
Pranayama refers to ‘prana’ or energy and ‘yama’ or control. If you pay attention, you will notice that you breathe differently when you are relaxed as opposed to when you are anxious or angry.
So, there is a direct relationship between your breathing patterns and your state of mind.
Pranayama refers to certain sequential breathing exercises which can help you to positively influence your state of mind through mindful breathing.
When we practice pranayama, we inhale, exhale, and hold the breath in specific patterns and for different durations.
Such regulated breathing clears the various blockages in our mind and body so that the essential life energies can start flowing freely and uninhibitedly.
Some popular forms of Pranayama:
Pranayama can be practiced on its own or along with yoga poses.
BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA
The stress and strain of modern life can be combatted through the practice of Pranayama.
By making pranayama an essential part of your life, you can reap its varied benefits.
Some of these include
- An increased flow of oxygen in all parts of the body
- A feeling of relaxation and reduced stress
- Enhanced lung and brain function
- Better control over blood pressure
- Improved self-awareness