Yoga Pranayama

Pranayama is an exact science. It is the fourth limb of Ashtanga Yoga.

"Tasmin Sati Svasaprasvasayorgativicchedah Pranayamah" - Regulation of breath or the control of prana is the stoppage of inhalation and exhalation, which follows after securing that steadiness of posture or seat, Asana.
Pranayama as defined in Patanjali yoga Sutras, Ch II-49
Name
Controls
Location
Prana
Respiration
Heart
Apana
Excretion
Anus
Samana
Digestion
Navel
Udana
Deglutition
Throat
Vyana
Circulation of Blood
All-pervading

Beneifits of Pranayama
Steady practice of Pranayama arouses in the student the inner spiritual force and brings inner peace, happiness, and spiritual
wellbeing.  The study of Asana, along with Pranayama, aids in removing many types of diseases, improves health, energises
digestion, strengthens the Sushumna Nadi, removes Rajas, and awakens the Kundalini.  With practice the Anahata sounds are
distinctly heard.

If one practices Asanas and Pranayama without control of sexual desires, Brahmacharya, and dietetic regulations, even if
practiced for a long time, the student will not gain much benefit.  If one wishes their progress to be fast and their goal is to reach
the highest form, self-realisation

Hints and Tips on Practicing Pranayama
Practice Pranayama in  a dry, well ventilated room.  Remain alone in the room during your practice.
Practice some pranayama before doing Japa or meditation.  This will make your body light and meditation more enjoyable.
Do not perform pranayama or asanas when the stomach is full.  Take a small cup of organic milk after practice
Do pranayamas after doing more physical asanas.  Take a little rest in Savasana (corpse pose) in between.
Do not take a bath immediately after Pranayama.  Take a rest, to allow the body to adjust back to normal levels.
Do not wipe away any perspiration with a towel.  Rub with your hands.  Do not expose the body to cold draughts.

The Practice and Science of Pranayama
Pranayama is the union of Prana and Apana and consist of three types - expiration, inspiration, and retention
~ Back to Top ~
:|:  Yoga Cleansing  :|:  Yogic Diet  :|:  Sattvic Diet  :|:  Jali Neti  :|:  Yama  :|:  Niyama  :|:  Gunas  :|:  Asana  :|:  Pranayama  :|:  Daily Practice  :|:  Yoga Lifestyle  :|:
This web page, design, and images are the property of Anahata Balance, copyright 2004-2006.  Copyright protected under state, national, and international laws.  All right reserved.
To contact the webmaster please email - webmaster@anahatabalance.com


Pranayama is the control of vital force or pran through a series of disciplined breathing
exercises.  There are many levels or different breaths in yoga traditions and practices.  Some are
meant for beginners and other for only advanced practitioners of yoga under the guidance of a
guru or master.  One important reason to learn to control the breath is that the breath is
connected to the mind and emotions.  When a person is nervous or full of anxiety their breath will
be shallow or short.  On the other hand, someone who is calm and centered will have deep and
full breathing.  In short, control the breath and you control the mind and the life force or pran.

What is Prana?

Prana is the sum total of all the forces and energies of the universe.  Some of these forces can
be seen or felt by humans other can not.  Heat, light, electricity, magnetism are forms of prana.  
Everything that moves, works, has motion and life, or even thoughts is due to the expression or
manifestation of prana.  By controlling the act of breathing through pranayama one can efficiently
control the various motions in the body and the different nerve currents and subtle channels that
run through the body.

The Seat of Prana

The seat of Prana is the Antahkarana, or heart chakra.  It controls the lungs and respiration.  The
principal Prana is called Mukhya Prana.  Although Prana is one, it assumes five different forms.  
These are prana (little p), apana, samana, udana, and vyana.
Of the five Pranas - prana and apana are the most important.
Home
Mission
Store
Daily Practice
Yoga Lifesyle
Yoga Cleansing
Yama Niyama
three gunas
Asana
pranayama
japa & meditation
yoga diet
dosha test
yoga links
contact
Home

Anahata
BALANCE
Pranayama aids in relaxing the
body and mind, while bringing prana
or life force to the body systems.
The process by which the prana is controlled by regulation of external breath is called Pranayama.