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What is it
Pranayama is a Sanskrit (Indian) word combining “prana” which can mean things such as breath, energy, vigour and “yama” which has meanings such as restrain, control and stopping. Taken together pranayama translates as “control of the life force”. Applying a more Western view of this technique allows us to arrive at pranayama as the method and techniques employed to control your breathing.
Breathing is so simple and automatic that we are often oblivious towards it and ignore the power it has to affect our mind and body. Each inhalation brings in oxygen which our cells require to carrying out chemical reactions. Each exhalation expels carbon dioxide from the body created during the work our cells perform to keep us functioning well. Our state of mind is also affected; we can be excited or calm, tense or relaxed, clear minded or a mess just by employing various breathing techniques. You will be amazed at the control you can exert on your state of being by carrying out the breathing techniques that follow.
How do I practice pranayama?
Pranayama splits up your breathing into four stages:
Inhalation (puraka)
This is the process of drawing in air from the atmosphere. The inflow of air should be continuous and smooth. The air pressure in your lungs is less than the air pressure outside which makes it easier to draw in air with little muscular effort. Ideally only the diaphragm muscle will contract during inhalation.
Pause after inhalation (abhyantara kumbhaka)
If you are in a relaxed state your body will produce a natural pause at the end of your inhalation. This allows gas exchange between your lungs and blood with oxygen coming in and carbon dioxide going out. If you are stressed you may have no pause after inhalation. Don’t worry if this is the case; just
