Pranayama is the fourth limb of Ashtanga Yoga. It can be described
as a breathing exercise that promotes proper breathing. The
technique of Pranayama is used to measure, control and direct the
breath of the practitioner. The aim behind the technique is to
restore and maintain the health of a person and promote evolution.
Pranayama controls the energy within us, teaches us the proper way
to breathe. With the breathing technique, we increase the capacity
of our lungs, bringing more oxygen supply to the body to function
well. It is the science of breath control.
Pranayama is derived from the following words:
Prana - "life force" or
and Ayama - "expansion", "non-restraint", or
"extension" . It consists of series of exercises, especially
projected to meet the body's needs and keep it in vibrant health.
The deep and systematic breathing through Pranayama helps in
reenergizing our body. However, Pranayama should be done only with
proper preparation otherwise, it might result into nervous
breakdowns. It is part of a process in Yoga and breath control is a
spiritual practice of cleansing the mind and body. Therefore, it
should be done appropriately and with proper guidance and
preparation.
The Four Stages Of Pranayama
- Arambha:
This
is the initial stage wherein the person's interest in Pranayama is
awakened
- Ghata:
This
is the second stage where the three sariras gross, subtle and
causal merges to cover the soul.
- Parichay:
The
stage where the yogi gets familiar with the knowledge of
Pranayama
- Nispatti:
The
final stage of Pranayama allows the yogi goes beyond his physical
body, and unites with the supreme
Note - Pranayama
is
the science of breath control, consist a series of exercises
intended to meet these needs and to keep the body in vibrant
health. Proper Breathing in a Yogic point of view is to bring more
oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control prana or the
vital life energy. These techniques have also proved to help the
prevention of major diseases and cure minor illnesses.
Breathing is important
for two basic reasons. The
first one is this is the only means of supplying our bodies and its
various organs with oxygen which is vital for our health, and
second is Breathing is one of the ways to get rid of waste products
and toxins from our body.
Breathing is an autonomic function of the body. The process is
performed even without concentrating on it. It is a normal part of
our life, though many at times we fail to pay attention to it. So
practice pranayama under qualified teacher’s guidance and feel the
difference and learn the essence of breathing and learn proper
breathing pattern.
Hari Om,
Namaste Ji,
Yogi Manu.
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(2010-09-03 08:55:15)