Pranayama, Yogic breathing
Pranayama is one of the pillars of yogin practice. Breathing exercises that help control the energy flow in the body in order to calm down and much more.
Hatha yoga attaches particular importance to prana, why ?
Prana is defined as the vital force that animates all forms of life from minerals to human being. Intangible, this energy controls every cell in our body. This energy represented by the air is perhaps not materialized but it is intimately linked between breathing and the mind.
Prana means breath and Yama controls. Through the practice of Hatha Yoga, the mind becomes controllable through breathing. The yogin trained through asanas and pranayama the mind becomes able to concentrate on the sensations allowing a progression of concentration and meditation. Through this practice, the yogin becomes able to control his energy and use it to activate his body's self-healing system. Healers use life energy to assist the body in the healing process, as discussed previously in a Reiki article. Why not yourself through your breathing?
What are the benefits of Pranayama ?
Practicing pranayama is beneficial for health. This gives vitality and helps to release stress. By concentrating on breathing, the diaphragm relaxes, the pulse regains regularity and the mind calms down. Experience being more connected to your breath throughout the day, especially when you are faced with conflict or strong emotion. How is your breathing? What does your stomach feel like? In addition, pranayama improves digestion and the circulation of energies. Once the body is relaxed, it is able to digest food and emotions easily. An excellent practice after a long day before sitting down to eat. Your sleep is of better quality by promoting mental relaxation in the evening.
PRANAYAMA: HOW to practice it?
Many variations are practiced in yoga classes. Here are some of them :
Basic ventral breathing: you inhale while inflating your stomach and you exhale while pulling your stomach in, slowly. Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your heart. This helps you refocus at any time of the day to release tension by coming back to yourself.
Bhastrika breathing: we boost energy with this dynamic and rapid breathing: 20 short breaths. Then we finish with deeper breathing.
Kapalabhati breathing: we exhale through both nostrils in a jerky and strong manner while contracting the abdomen.
Alternate breathing, Nadi Shodhana : we block one nostril and inhale through the left then exhale through the right. We repeat in the other direction.
Square breathing, Samavritti: 4 seconds of inspiration, 4 seconds of out of breath, 4 seconds of exhalation, 4 seconds of out of breath. A breathing that I particularly appreciate. I can practice it anywhere. I use it often when I surf. Sometimes the streaks come and my heart races with stress. I feel like I'm losing my abilities and I need to come back to myself. To do this, I control my fears through this simple exercise.
WHERE TO PRACTICE PRANAYAMA and for whom?
I offer meditation classes in which I use the practice of mantras and pranayama. I teach it more briefly in Hatha Yoga classes. However, it is entirely possible to practice Sama Vritti and basic belly breathing alone. Just make sure to sit with your back straight, relax your shoulders, facial muscles and jaw. In your beginnings, favor a calm place in which you will not be disturbed. Prepare a cozy place where you feel good.
Certain breathing exercises are not recommended for pregnant women and menstruating women, particularly the most dynamic and powerful ones such as bhastrika or kapalabhati. In this case, it is better to do alternate breathing, which is softer and easier. It is necessary (like everything) to be regular in the practice in order to be able to derive benefits. I recommend waking up in the morning after washing and in the evening before eating or a minimum of two hours after eating before going to bed. Some people may experience unpleasant effects, the feeling of dizziness which is often due to the unusual movement of energies. Stop and start again once the effects have worn off.
“Yoga is the unity of mind and body; the union of breathing and thought.” – Sri T. Krishnamacharya.
♡ Nasthasia