An Introduction to Pranayama 

Yoga is an ancient discipline that teaches the art of balance between different entities of an individual.

Yoga and pranayama practices help one find liberation and peace through yogic philosophies and their implementations in everyday life, ranging from physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. 

Yoga is a way of life rather than a form of exercise. Yogic philosophy talks in-depth about how one should live their lives with discipline and control, and pranayama plays a significant role in implementing that yogic philosophy.

Pranayama means working in the dimensions of prana. Prana is the life force that nourishes and nurtures our mind. It creates an aura around us when at a high level will flow unrestricted, which in turn keeps the mind calm, positive, and enthusiastic.

Pranayama means one's control over the breath. Our breath is the life source of energy, and when done wrong, it can create multiple issues on a physical and emotional level.

Benefits of Pranayams:

1. It provides clarity and stillness to the mind.

2. It brings harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.

3. Pranayama makes one physically, mentally and spiritually strong

4.  A clear mind is energetic, enthusiastic, calmer, and positive.

5. Increased levels of energies.

 There are several pranayama exercises to help correct one breath and wield this life source for better energies.

1. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)

Is your mind a buzzing bee? Can't sit still? As the name would suggest, this pranayama is to help you quiet the voices in your head. Find a corner and practice this pranayama to harness the emotions that seem so out of control. For more details, on how its done you can check this video:

2. Kapal Bhati Pranayama 

This pranayama is considered an essential exercise of breathing. It detoxifies the body and cleanses the energy channels. This exercise is quite intense, but a word of caution should ease into this practice because if overdone, it will leave you lightheaded.

 

3. Bhastrika Pranayama

Have energy levels dipped low? Forget coffee, or energy drinks, this pranayama will give you instant energies to fight the peak hour traffic or help you complete your household chores. 

Pranayama exercises alter our breathing patterns for good. 

                                              

                Happy Practicing!