Pranayama

Original Editor - Ashmita Patrao

Top Contributors - Ruchi Desai, Ashmita Patrao, Kim Jackson and Zsofia Laszlo  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

The air that we breathe is a passport for life. Through exercise we take in huge amount of oxygen for existence. Pranayama is the science of breath control first practised in India. It is a concious control of breathing in the life giving oxygen into our body.

  • Prana means 'life force' and ayama is 'the extension of life force'. When breathing the inhalation and exhalation of breath cleanses and purifies an individual, energize an overexcited body and yet calm the agitated mind.

Types of Pranayama[edit | edit source]


Observation of normal breathing process which involves observation of the normal inhalation process ie inhalation through the nose or mouth. Awareness of chest and stomach movement in breathing, feeling the oxygen entering.

Energy enhancing breaths:

Kapalabhati (Skull shining)

Bastrika (Bellous breathing)

Murcha (the retraining breath)

Kumbhaka (the pure breath)

Ujjayi (the hissing breath)

The calming breaths:

Sukka Purvaka (easy breath)

Sithali (cooling breath)

Sitkari (Sipping breath)

Brahmari (Humming breath)

Nadi sudi (Nerve purifying breath)


Pranayama in Motion[edit | edit source]

Traditional pranayama was based on various aspects of physical and spiritual well being, practised from a seated position. In the modern world where everyone is at their desks for long durations proceeding with pranayama in motion is a good option.

Pranayama while standing: This enhances rapid amounts of prana providing additional energy. The technique involves small. movements or rotations of the neck, spine and hips, feeling the blood flowing into the different parts of the body. This is followed by inhalation with some amount of spine extension, breath hold to feel the energy and exhalation with the spine returning to neutral.

Leaning pranayama: This is a tool for both body/mind coordination and energy revitalization. Taking a deep inhalation the subject is required to lean on the right side, releasing in 3 distinctive spurts. Bring body to erect position after which the same procedure is repeated.

Dynamic tension 1: push the mountain: This is ideal to tone your body. Inhalation with hands raised to shoulder level. Hold the breath feeling the energy at this point for 10 seconds. Exhalation bringing the hands down , pushing down like ones pushing the sky upwards

Resources[edit | edit source]

add appropriate resources here, including text links or content demonstrating the intervention or technique

References[edit | edit source]