Blog - 5 Pranayama

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 Generally Pranayama is defined as a breath control. Although this interpretation may seem correct in view of the practices but it doesn't convey the full meaning of term. "Pranayama" is derived from sanskrit word Prana+Ayam. Now what is Prana? Prana is a life force, vital energy. Prana is not breath, n Ayam means regulation. For pranayama practice we make use of our breath so with the movement of breath we regulate prana in our system.

At The Yoga Institute, Shri Yogendraji (Founder of the The Yoga Institute) termed prana as bioenergy, Nearly hundred yrs ago, He was the 1st to modify the traditional pranayamas to suit the modern individual, living a full life. He formulated easy n simple to follow techniques which r called Yogendra Pranayamas and r sequentially numbered from 1 to 9. 

These 9 Yogendra Pranayamas include the following ;

Yogendra Pranayam No 1. Equal Breathing

Yogendra Pranayam No 2. Intercostal Breathing

Yogendra Pranayam No 3. Clavicular Breathing

Yogendra Pranayam No 4. Diaphragmatic Breathing

Yogendra Pranayam No 5. Shunyaka

Yogendra Pranayam No 6. Puraka

Yogendra Pranayam No 7. Kumbhaka

Yogendra Pranayam No 8. Rechaka

Yogendra Pranayam No 9. Yogendra Anulom-Vilom

चले वाते चलं चित्तं निश्चले निश्चलं भवेत् ।

योगी स्थाणुत्वम् आप्नोति ततो वायुं निरोधयेत् ॥२॥

(Hatha yoga pradipika 2-2.)

Meaning - When the breath wanders, or is irregular, the mind is also unsteady.

But when the breath is still, so is the mind and the yogi lives long. So one should restrain the breath.

No one can live for more than a few minutes without breathing. But many people are unaware of the importance of the breathing properly. Bad mental and physical breathing habits mean that many of us use only a fraction of our potential respiratory capacity.

Four Aspects of Pranayama

In Pranayama practices there are 4 important aspects of breathing which r utilised these r as follows :

 1. पूरक (Inhalation)

 2. रेचक (Exhalation)

 3. कुंभक (Internal breath retention)

 4. शून्यक (External breath retention)

The different practices of Pranayama involves various techniques which utilise these four aspects of breathing. There is another Mode of Pranayama which is called केवल कुंभक (Spontaneous breath retention).

This is an advanced stage of Pranayama which occurs during high stages of meditation. During this state the lungs stop their activity and the respiration ceases. At this time, the  which prevents one from seeing the subtle aspect of existence is lifted and a higher version of reality is attained. 

These practices influence the flow if prana in the nadis, purifying, regulating n activating them, thereby inducing physical n mental stability.

The Pranic body

Panch Koshas

According to yogic physiology, the human framework is comprised of 5 bodies, which accounts for the different aspects of human existence. The word Kosha means level or covering. These r called Sheaths, because they cover self like a shell. These five bodies (Sheaths) are known as : 

 1. अन्नमय कोश (Physical Body)

 2. प्राणमय कोश (Energy Body)

 3. मनोमय कोश (Emotional Body)

 4. विजनान्मय कोश (Wisdom Body)

 5. आनंदमय कोश (Bliss Body)

Panch Pranas

Although these 5 sheaths functions together to form an integral whole, the practices of pranayama work mainly with प्राणमय कोश (Energy Body). The प्राणमय कोश made up of 5 major prana's which r collectively known as Punch or five Prana's. These r as follows :

 1. Prana

 2. Apana

 3. Samana

 4. Udana

 5. Vyana

1. Prana

 Prana is that special function of the Cosmic Prana, which supplies the human body with essential oxygen. Its energy flows from the nostrils to the level of the heart.

2. Apana

Apana Prana influences the lower part of the body from the navel to the soles of the feet. This Prana regulates the elimination process. Diseases that affect the lower abdomen, intestines, kidneys, urinary tract, legs, etc., are the result of disturbed Apana Prana.

 3. Samana

 Samana is located between the heart n the navel. It activates and controls the digestive system. The liver, intestines, pancreas n stomach, their secretions. Also activate the heart n circulatory system. It is also responsible for the assimilation and distribution of nutrients.

 4. Udana

 Udana Prana is the ascending energy that flows from the heart to the head and brain. Udana Prana accompanies the awakening of the Kundalini Shakti.

5. Vyana

Vyana Prana flows through the nerve channels of the human body. It has an effect upon the whole body and particularly on the Nadis. Poor circulation, impaired nerve stimulation and nervous breakdowns, originate from a deficiency in Vyana Prana.

Prana and Lifestyle

Today, more and more people from different walks of life are opting for Yoga. Yoga is more than asanas. It’s a complete lifestyle that promotes holistic health.

Every time your body stretches and opens up, inhale. And every time there is a contraction or the muscles get compressed, exhale. A lot of people forget to coordinate their breath with their yoga practice. Always remember to focus on your breath and enhance your yoga practice. Breathing right will not only help you with your asanas but also with your life. Whenever you are angry, or stressed, always bring your breath under control first.

Benefits of Pranayama 

Daily pranayama trains the lungs and improves the capacity of respiratory system immensely. Pranayama directly works on the nervous system. Daily Pranayama positively affects autonomic nervous system which controls and governs essential functions of the body like the heart rate, respiration and blood pressure etc.

“Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.” - B.K.S. Iyengar

Thank u so much 🙏