The ultimate impact of pranayama is described by the Hatha Tatva Kaumudi.
- It states that the prana is equally distributed throughout the body in Kevala Kumbhaka.
- The apex of pranayama is Kevala Kumbhaka.
It is believed to happen naturally after the other kinds of pranayama have been learned, and its absence should be regarded as a sign that the other willful and organized pranayama methods, collectively known as sahita kumbhakas, still need attention.
In his Yoga Sutra, Patanjali calls Kevala Kumbhaka the fourth pranayama (chaturtha), which leads to samadhi naturally.
- In the samadhic condition, according to the Hatha Tatva Kaumudi, prana will not build in certain parts of the body while being drained in others, but will be distributed equally throughout the body.
- This is caused by a lack of mental stimulation.
- An unequal distribution of prana throughout the body is caused by the mind and training.
- In contrast, the mind (adhi) is described in Ayurvedic literature as the underlying cause of all illnesses ( vyadhi).
- In its natural condition, the mind not only inhibits samadhi, but also creates illnesses in the body, eventually leading to its demise.
You may also want to read more about Pranayama and Holistic Healing here.
