It is regulation and centralisation of 'Prana' energy.
It can also be taken as a measure for Nadi shuddhi (Macro and micro channel cleansing). It rejuvenates Vital energy and provides longevity. Although it is performed through breathing exercises but it directly affects the physiological development and psychosomatic well being. Researches prove that it has positive effect on functional capacity of endocrine glands and metabolism of the body.
Time and Duration-
It includes these stages: Purak (inspiration)--> Kumbhak (holding)--> Rechak (Expiration) -->Kumbhak
The duration of each of the above should be in the ratio of 1:4:2:4
According to duration of each cycle pranayama can be classified as:
Avara - 8 sec:32s:16s:32
Madhyam - 16s:64s:32s:64s
Pravara - 32s:128s:64s:128s
Agnideept or Malashodhak (while getting started)
Inspiring from left nostril, keeping right nostril closed by thumb. Then holding the breath till face becomes red. Then slow expiration of air through right nostril. It increases the digestive fire and purify the body of toxins.
Diet - One should take adequate quantity of milk and ghee during the beginning of pranayama practise for a few days.
Eight types of important pranayamas are-
It can also be taken as a measure for Nadi shuddhi (Macro and micro channel cleansing). It rejuvenates Vital energy and provides longevity. Although it is performed through breathing exercises but it directly affects the physiological development and psychosomatic well being. Researches prove that it has positive effect on functional capacity of endocrine glands and metabolism of the body.
Time and Duration-
It includes these stages: Purak (inspiration)--> Kumbhak (holding)--> Rechak (Expiration) -->Kumbhak
The duration of each of the above should be in the ratio of 1:4:2:4
According to duration of each cycle pranayama can be classified as:
Avara - 8 sec:32s:16s:32
Madhyam - 16s:64s:32s:64s
Pravara - 32s:128s:64s:128s
Agnideept or Malashodhak (while getting started)
Inspiring from left nostril, keeping right nostril closed by thumb. Then holding the breath till face becomes red. Then slow expiration of air through right nostril. It increases the digestive fire and purify the body of toxins.
Diet - One should take adequate quantity of milk and ghee during the beginning of pranayama practise for a few days.
Eight types of important pranayamas are-
- Ujjayi - Chanting loudly sp. 'OM'.
- Suryabhedan - Inspiration through right nostril only.
- Sitakari - Making a specific sound while inspiration.
- Sheetali - Inspiration with protruded tongue to feel cold.
- Bhastrika - Forceful expiration.
- Bhramari - Sound of buzzing bees while expiration.
- Murchha - making brain unconscious.
- Plavani - Breathing under water.
- It should be practised in a clean, ventilated and peaceful environment.
- It should be performed in one of the following postures: Padmasana, Siddhasana, Swastikasana, Sukhasana or Vajrasana. Spine should be kept vertical and straight.
- One should be on simple Satvic diet. Non veg, alcohol, smoking, tea, coffee, onion and garlic should be avoided.
- Always practise empty stomach.
- Practise after bathing and routine chores, one should not bath at least till an hour after pranayama.
- One should start patiently and gradually increase the duration and not be anxious and fast, it could be harmful.
- The ratio of inspiration: holding:expiration should always be 1:4:2.
- It could not be done in fever, indigestion, pregnancy and fatigue.
- People suffering from nervous disorders should practise seetkari, sheetali and plavani.
- Physically weak people should not do Bhastrika.
- Sheetali, Sheetkari should not be practised in winters.
- Ujjayi and Suryabhedan should not be done in summers.
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