Clinical Mechanics of Pranayam

Presented By

Dr. Avnish Upadhyay

(Deptt. Of Drug Development & Clinical Research)

Patanjali Yog Peeth (Trust), Hardwar

Introduction of PranayamThe word Pranayam consists of two parts

1. Prana

2. Ayam

Prana means energy or vital air (Pran Vayu).

Ayam means stretch, extension, regulation,

prolongation & control.

When the self energizing force embraces

the body with extension, expansion & control

of Pran Vayu; it is Pranayam.

Tasmin sati swas praswas yogartivich pranayama(Yog Darshan 2/49)

Tasmin : In this,

Sati : Being,

Swas : Inhale,

Praswas : Exhale

Gati : Flow

Viccheda : Cutting-off

Pranayama : Breath control

Maharshi Patanjali defines Pranayam as "The

regulation of the incoming and outgoing flow of breath

with retention."

Mechanics of PranayamPranayam is based on physical control of vital air.Physics is the science of physical quantities & measurements.During the process of Pranayam many rules of physics & Phenomenon are working.There are seven kinds of Pranayam that are commonly practiced by the people which has been reinitiated by Pujya Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj.

Bhastrika

Kapalbhati

Bahya

Anulom Vilom

Bhramri

Udgith

Ujjayi Graphical representation of all such

Pranayams, with explanation of mechanics

behind each kriya is given.

Bhastrika PranyamGraphical representation with respect to degree of

inhale & exhale of air during breathing with time.

OA = Maximum inhaling with complete filling of air in lungs

OX = 5 minutes for health one 10 minutes for diseased persons

OB = It is a complete process of inhale (puraka) and excel

(rechaka) which takes 6 second in total

OC = The maximum degree of inhaling

CB = The maximum degree of excelling

B, B1, B11 and B111 etc. are the normal position of lungs pressure

0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 ------X

Time in Seconds

Deg

ree

of in

hale

B B’ B’’ B’’’

CA

MechanismAccording to pascal's law the pressure inside a closed vessel equally distributed in all direction. So when the lungs filled with air, it imparts pressure on the diaphragm and cavity of lungs.

The organs try to maintain its position of equilibrium, hence a reaction force established at the organs, glands and heart. So secretions from individual glands activated.

Also the fine arteries and veins can able to carry oxygenated blood with circulation on every cycle of the Pranayam. The out going air from lungs able to carry impurities responsible for imbalance of the organs.

Kapalbhati PranayamA

O

C

B B’ B ’’

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ------XTime in Seconds

Deg

ree

of in

hale

OA = Maximum inhaling with complete filling of air in lungs.OX = 10 to 15 minutes for healthy one or15 to 30 minutes for diseased personsOB = a complete process of inhale (Puraka) and excel (rechaka). (Frequency may be 40, 120 times per minutes)OC = The process of inhaling with maximum at C.CB = The process of excelling. So excel is all out a sudden with almost zero time.B, B1, B11 and B111 etc. are the normal position of lungs.During this process concentration is only on excel, no concentration for inhale. No sound during inhale sound comes from stroke during excel.

The impulsive force appears with greater magnitude when the stroke time is very small.

j = F×t where ‘j’ in the impulse, and ‘F’ is the force acted

for the time 't'. When 't' is small then F is greater so the change in linear momentum create greater pressure on the near by organs and glands of the cavity of lungs. The force communicated quickly as force of contact to all parts from one to another. So that the imbalanced secretion from different glands will be balanced. Blood circulation in different parts of the body will be faster creating action on diseased affected parts. This Pranayam is a complementary one to 'Bhastrika Pranayam".

Mechanism

Anulom Vilom Pranayam

OA = Maximum inhaling in left nostrilOA’ = Maximum in hale in right nostrilCB = Process of excel (impurities goes out from left side)BC’ = Process of inhale in right nostrilC’B’ = Process of excel (impurities of right side)OX = 15 minutes for healthy one.

A

OB B ’ B ’’

C

A’

Y

Y ’

X

Deg

ree

of in

hale

in le

ft

& r

ight

nos

tril

Time in Seconds

0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27

C’

When ever some air is forced to passed through a pipe of irregular cross section then the flow rate remain same.

According to Bernoulle's equation the sum of energy head remains same every where, but velocity of flow is faster in narrow tube than that of wide tube when air flows in respiratory system the fast flowing air impart force on fine arteries and veins so that the blood flow & will be accelerated. Oxygen carrying blood hits the constraint in out bodies at different positions.

The individual nostril will create different action on the nostril's inner walls. Due to action reach on deployed at the affected areas the tumors or other irregular developed parts gets activated to maintain its normal position due to repeated and identical process. As the velocity increased the kinetic energy increases and pressure energy decreased so the pressure on the walls of respiratory tract will be towards the tube causing the impurities breathes out.

Mechanism

Bahya Pranayam

OA = Maximum inhaling with complete filling of air in lungs.OX = 80 seconds (5 times) for healthy one may be 10 times for diseased person.OE = a complete process of Bahya Pranayam i.e. "Puraka" following by "rechaka" and then "Kumbhaka" followed by sudden inhale to normal position.OC = Process of in hale in 4 seconds.CB = Process of excel in ½ or 1 second.BD = Process of holding breathing for 12 seconds.DE = Process to return to original condition with no time.

A

O E

C

A’

Y

Y ’

X

Deg

ree

of in

hale

Time in Seconds

0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40

B D

When a pressure exerted on a body then the force on different parts acts normally. If the duration of time increased then body starts expanding. The body must be an elastic one in which the body regain its original position after withdrawing the force. During "Bahya Pranayma" the elastic nature of different organs related to the cavity are expanded and contracted by external pressure. So the elastic nature of the parts of the body will be activated. Again the same pressure factor imparts force on the digestive system so that the unwanted air in stomach completely move downwards.

Mechanism

Bhramri & Udgith Pranayam

A

OB B ’ B ’’

C

Y

XDeg

ree

of in

hale

Time in Seconds0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48

OA = Maximum inhale of air in lungsOB = Complete process with 16 second for healthy personOC = Process of inhale in 4 seconds.CB = Process of excel in 12 seconds.OX = Total time for 5 times = 80 seconds (minimum)

When the natural frequency of vibration is equal to forced frequency then resonance will occur (No external interference). The vibration of thinking of a human body can be controlled if it can be resonated. In a "Bhamri" or "udgith" Pranayam the ear is closed by thumb, eye is blocked by fingers and forehead is pressed, to vibrate with higher amplitude. So the resonance of the brain's metaphysical thinking is arrested and the concentration of mind can be enhanced.

Mechanism

Patho-Physiological effects of Pranayam

Pranayam maintains normal functions. It influences functions of CNS like

perception, planning, execution of tasks, learning and memory.

It improves coherence between two cerebral hemispheres signifying synchronization of logical and intuitive functions.

Alternate nostril breathing brings balance in the ANS.

The glandular activity increased and

hormonal profile is balanced through

Pranayam.

Ujjayi with long and short Kumbhak

effects adreno-medullary secretions.

The Pranayam shows a reduction in

sympathetic activity which is the basis of

its use in stress management.

Pranayam increases cardiac output &

cerebral blood flow in the peripheral

vessels.

Pranayam practices removes the residual secretions by moving the neck in all directions and forcing out secretions forcefully through the nose.Various respiratory parameters improves after Pranayam.A significant increase in FVC, FEV, FEV1, increase in vital capacity, breath holding time & decrease in the respiratory rate documented in all residential camps in the benign presence of P.P. Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj for the treatments of respiratory ailments.

Conclusion The practice of Pranayam is a tremendous gift from

our Indian Traditional science & culture. Science of yogic breathing was almost completely unknown to the common people. The credit for making the practice of pranayam popular in common people as a discipline in its own right and as a mean for maintaining the health of the body & mind goes to Pujya Swami Ram Dev Ji Maharaj & Divya Yog Mandir trust. Swami Ji rediscovered & proved that Patanjali's Pranayam has scientific basis through challenging Yog Science Camps. Now a day there are several psychosomatic diseases emerging through the world. The immunomodulatory activity of Pranayam can be an accurate solution for all these diseases, which are, involve with immune system. Hence, Pranayam is a science of breath & breath is life.

THANKS FOR G

IVIN

G

ATTENTION