From the day we came to earth and the day we will leave this place, Breath will be the first and last thing to have on this planet. This shows a crucial role of breathing in living beings. But with time we have forgotten the art of breathing. We have restrained ourselves with short breathing and this is why many health issues have shown a rise.
The word Pranayam has been derived
from Prana- life force and Ayama- to lengthen. So, Pranayam is something which
lengthens the life force. It is a simple technique of breathing which promote
emotional, mental and physical well-being.
The reason behind getting diseases
is blockage of Chakras. When a human do not use their lung's capacity to breath
to the fullest, the body get less oxygen and thus it further create imbalances.
God has sent us with all the sources, we will need while our tour on
earth.
Breathing has many benefits. It
balances the chakras, it prevents anxiety, depression, it cleanses, heal and
strengthen our body. This is why Pranayam is practiced so that we reconnect
ourselves with energy we were born with.
Bhastrika
It should always be done in the
beginning of pranayam and must be followed with Kapalbhati. It should never be
done full stomach and night. How to do it-
Sit in lotus pose and take a long
breath, fill your lungs with air. Count till 5 and exhale. Now, practice
inhaling and exhaling with force. You can practice it at least 21 times as a
beginner.
This breathing practice brings your
entire body into balance. Here's how to do it-
Sit comfortably with straight spine.
Take a deep breath in and as you exhale, pull your stomach inside. Continue
active exhalation and passive inhalation. Take 30 rapid breaths doing the same and then take a
deep breath and exhale slowly. You can continue as long as you feel comfortable.
Anulom Vilom
Sit comfortably with straight spine.
Now, put your right thumb to block your right nostril, inhale through your left
nostril for 2 seconds. Now block both nostrils and hold your breath for 4
seconds. Keep your left nostril blocked and exhale from right nostril. Now
inhale from right nostril for 2 sec and then block both nostrils for 4 sec and
exhale from left nostril while blocking right nostril.
Repeat the cycle with 10 rounds.
Bhramari
It is also known as Bee Breath due
to the exhalation sound produced while doing this pranayam which resembles
humming sound of bee. How to do this-
Inhale while closing your ear canal
with your thumbs and eyes with your fingers. Put your two fingers on closed
eyes and index fingers on your forehead.
Now exhale while producing a humming
sound (hmm). Do this as long as you can make this sound and then repeat the
process 3 to 4 times more for effective results.
There are certain precautions that
are to be taken care while doing pranayam for example, a pregnant women or b.p.
patient should not hold breath longer etc. So, before you start, just figure out if
you are in perfect state to follow that practice. You can also take your doctor's advise.