Pranayama is a breathing exercise that promotes overall well being both mentally and physically. One’s mind improves and one can overcome several mental health issues.
In Sanskrit ‘Pran’ means ‘Breath’ and ‘Ayama’ means ‘control’ so it is called Pranayama. Pranayama is the complete breathing exercise which is the part of yoga. Our breath plays an important role in pranayama. Pranayama cures our body internally if you practice regularly. These seven pranayamas are excellent breathing exercises for our healthy life and releasing stress and depression.
It takes 35 to 45 minutes to complete the whole process of seven pranayamas. According to experts, these seven pranayamas are enough to become healthy and fit.
Pranayama cures and prevents cancer, blood pressure, stress, anxiety, stomach disorders, depression, diabetes, heart problems, and so many health issues.
Morning is the best time to practice pranayama and after you take a bath. Wear loose clothes and sit straight. Let’s see the most recommended seven pranayamas as follows.
Sources of Prana
One gets prana from food, rest, breath and by being in a calm, happy frame of mind.
There is more prana in fresh foods than canned, frozen or stale foods. Similarly, vegetarian foods are usually of high prana, while meat, being dead, is considered low or even negative prana.
However, the most direct and immediate source of prana is breath – when our breath stops, we do die.
Table of Contents
1.Bhastrika Pranayama and Benefits
Bhastrika pranayama does consist of deep inhaling (Breath in) and forcefully exhaling (breath out).
2 Kapalbhati Pranayama and Benefits
Exhale (Breath out) with all force to allow the stomach to go deep inside. Kapalbhati pranayama cure stomach disorders such as indigestion and constipation as well as cure heart problems, lose belly fat as well as cures acidity
3 Bahya Pranayama and Benefits
In Bahya pranayama one exhales completely and touches one’s chin to the chest. Hold the breath for 15 seconds and then pull the stomach inside as well as upward. This pranayama is good for curing hernia, prostate problems, acidity, as well as abdominal problems.
4 Anulom Vilom Pranayama and Benefits
This is an excellent breathing exercise for improving blood circulation. It removes heart blockages. Releases stress, anxiety and depression naturally. It is effective in high blood pressure and does cure asthma, sinus, allergy.
5 Bhramari Pranayama and Benefits
Bhramari pranayama happens to be an excellent breathing exercise which does play an important role in releasing agitation, frustration, as well as anger. It is the best breathing exercise in calming one’s mind.
6 Udgeeth pranayama and Benefits
In this pranayama, the inhaling, as well as exhaling duration, needs to belong. Inhale deeply and while exhaling chant ‘Ommmmmmmmm’ for a long time as much you can. It cures hypertension and acidity and improves memory power.
7 Pranav Pranayama and Benefits
This is the last pranayama. After practicing all six pranayama concentrate the mind on inhaling and exhaling. Good for meditation and increasing concentration. Releases stress and depression. And also strengthens the mind.
These breathing exercises (seven pranayamas) need to be done on an empty stomach and in the fresh air. Always consult a doctor before practicing any exercises. Practice needs to be done under expert guidance.
‘Prana’ does refer to the universal life force and ‘Ayama’ means to regulate or lengthen.
Prana happens to be the vital energy required by our physical as well as subtle layers, without which the body would perish. It is what keeps us alive.
Pranayama is the control of prana through one’s breath. These techniques do rely on breathing through the nostrils. The ancient sages of India did realize these breathing techniques. Some common pranayamas do include Bhastrika, Kapalabhati, and Nadi Shodan pranayama.
Practiced correctly, and also under proper supervision pranayama does bring harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, making one physically, mentally and spiritually strong.
Also read: 5 Yoga Poses to Cure Diabetes