Pranayama

Breathing is one of our most vital functions.

One of the Five Principles of Yoga isPranayama (breathing exercise) which promotes Proper Breathing.

In a Yogic point of view, proper breathing is:

A. to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain

B. to control Prana or the vital life energy.

Prana - "life force" or "life energy" Yama - "discipline" or "control"

Thus, Pranayama means "breathing techniques“or "breath control".

Because of the daily work, family, or other pressures, we tend to ignore our breathing. Thus, it tends to be fast and shallow. By practicing deep breathing through Pranayama, we reenergize our body.

Benefits of Pranayama

Breathing is a normal part of our life, and we pay little attention to it. We do it automatically without concentrating on it.

Why then do we have to learn yoga breathing? Here are some reasons why Pranayama is important:

• Pranayama teaches us the proper way to breathe -slowly and deeply.

• It increases the capacity of our lungs, bringing more oxygen supply to the body.

Pranayama reduces the toxins and body wastes from within our body.

• It prevents diseases.

• Pranayama helps with digestion.

• Pranayama develops our concentration and focus.

• It fights stress and relaxes the body.

• Pranayama offers a better self-control.

• Pranayama leads to a relaxed body and mind.

4 Types of Pranayama

1. Full Yoga Breath (three part breathing): belly – rib – chest

2. Alternate Nostril (Anuloma Viloma): breathing sequence though each nostril separately.

3. Abdominal pumping (Kapalabhati): A rapid pulsing of the diaphragm in and out with the breath.

4. Ocean Breath (Ujjayi breath): a vocal breath that is done in the back of the throat creating an ocean sound.