Pranayama is more than just "breath practice," as many people believe. With the systematic regulation of the breath, it is a collection of strategies for stimulating, expanding, and balancing life force capacity. Smaller methods, such as witnessing the breath, to more advanced movements that require time and repetition to learn are all examples of these techniques. These exercises may be performed while standing, lying down, or in specific positions.
The Sanskrit words prana and ayama are combined to form the
term pranayama. Prana, like I (chi) in Buddhism, refers to the animating life
force spirit within all things. Your system is energized, and you are
physically healthy, when prana is abundant. In relation to the action of prana,
ayama is a verb that means "to stretch" or "to expand."
Pranayama literally means "extension of life force capacity," and it
will help you feel more vital, clear-headed, and energized.
Many religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and, of
course, yoga, include pranayama in their health activities. Pranayama is the
fourth “limb” of raja yoga, and it was identified by the sage Patanjali in the
oga S tras prior to 400 CE as an accompaniment to yoga asanas (postures) and a
prelude to deep states of meditation. Many yoga courses offered in the West
today omit or misinterpret pranayama, even though it has been a part of
classical yoga for centuries. The results of pranayama can be intensified, and
your practice of postures can be deepened when paired intelligently with
certain yoga postures and flows.
Prana is described as the vital life force energy that
animates and moves you. It is vitality at its heart. When the body's prana
levels are down, you can feel sluggish, trapped, or even sick. There are five
key movements of prana in your body, called ay s, or "wind," that
control your overall system, including digestion, circulation, and elimination,
according to the he atha oga Pradipika, a 15th-century Sanskrit manual on hatha
yoga by Svatmarama. When you don't have enough prana in your body, these
motions may be absent. You will raise the amount of prana in your body and
guide the energy movements that need more pranic help by practicing pranayama.
The Five Vayus of Prana
1. Udana Vayu – Energy flux upward and outward. This vayu is
responsible for excitement, creativity, development, and ascension. Dana pushes
prana upward toward the neck and face as it approaches the body. Dana ay is
influenced by pranayama by monitoring the inhalation side of the breath and any
breath holding during inhalation.
2. Prana Vayu (also known as "Pran" Vayu): The
inward and upward flow of energy. This vayu is energizing and vitalizing, and
it regulates the absorption of prana into the body, as well as inhalation,
feeding, drinking, visual impressions, and mental perceptions. Prana ay
regulates the flow of prana as it approaches the body from the chest and
ascends. Prana vayu is influenced by regulating the inhalation side of the
breath and its capacity in the body through pranayama.
3. Samana Vayu – The inward-spiraling, assimilating energy
flow. The assimilation of food, oxygen, and all interactions into the system is
governed by this vayu. Samana spirals prana inward as it approaches the body,
coalescing around the navel core. Samana ay is influenced by pranayama, which
involves matching the lengths and capacities of both inhalation and exhalation.
4. Apana Vayu – Energy flux downward and outward.
Exhalation, energetic grounding, breastfeeding, and the avoidance of harmful
mental and psychological memories are all governed by this vayu. Apana ay
assists in letting go by moving prana downward toward the genital organs and
out of the body. Controlling the exhalation side of the breath with pranayama
affects apana vayu.
5. Vyana Vayu – The flow of energy that expands and
circulates. This vayu is in control of nutrient distribution in the blood and
body fluids, as well as feelings and ideas, as well as engagement with the
outside world. The yana ay spirals outward from the middle of the body,
absorbing prana into the body and the universe. By regulating the power of both
inhalation and exhalation, pranayama affects vyana vayu.
Energetic Effects of Brahmana, Langhana, and Sama Vritti
Brahmana, langhana, and sama ritti are three energetic
outcomes of yoga that can be affected by meditation, asana (yoga postures), and
pranayama.
1. Brahmana (Expansion) – Expanded capacity, vitality
creation, and extroverted energy. You can transfer static energy and activate
the nervous system with brahmana pranayama. Brahmana is induced by faster and
more vigorous breathing patterns, full breaths in the chest and ribs, and an
emphasis on the inhalation. When you're feeling lethargic, foggy, exhausted, or
stressed, try brahmana activities early in the day or when you're feeling lethargic,
foggy, drained, or depressed.
2. Langhana (Reduction) – The calming, grounding, and
introverted energy effect. You can relax the nervous system and reduce excess
frenetic activity by practicing langhana pranayama. Langhana can be stimulated
by slower breathing patterns, breathing in the belly, and focusing on the
exhalation. During the evening while you prepare for sleep, when having
insomnia or overstimulation, following major trauma, or when feeling general
restlessness in your body and mind are all times when you might do a langhana
exercise.
3. Sama Vritti (Balance) – The energetic influence of
balance. To get the system into equilibrium, Sama vritti pranayama balances all
brahmana and langhana results. A sama vritti effect is achieved by balancing the
duration and capacity of the body on both inhalation and exhalation, as well as
some breath keeping. If you're not sure what kind of enthusiastic practice you
need, sama vritti practices are a great place to start.
Pranayama is designed to be used in conjunction with other forms of wellbeing and health services, such as traditional medicine, rather than as a replacement. The information provided here is not intended to diagnose or treat any health-related issues. Always seek medical advice from the doctor if you have any medical concerns.
