Yogic breathing consists of a proper inhalation, proper internal retention, exhalation and proper external retention. In yogic breathing the speed , the force and the duration of the above four steps is adjusted and varied depending upon the end results to be achieved .Breathing is the most important aspect of the human life and therefore pranayams play an important role in disease treatment .In Sanskrit the four steps of pranayams are known as poorak , kumbhak , rechak and shunyak. It is important to properly adjust the durations of these four steps e.g: persons with high blood pressure should not have a long kumbhak, for high BP persons a proportion of 4:1:6:1 is preferred . For paralytic persons a proportion of 4:1:5:3 is preferred.
Practioners are advised to consult a pranayams expert on these time durations.Breathing is life. It is one of our most vital functions. One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama or Breathing Exercise which promotes proper breathing. From a Yogic point of view, proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control Prana or the vital life energy. Pranayama also goes hand in hand with the Asanas.
The union of these two Yogic Principles is considered as the highest form of purification and self-discipline, covering both mind and body.Yoga breathing, or Pranayama, is the science of breath control. It consists of series of exercises especially intended to meet the body's needs and keep it in vibrant health. Pranayama comes from the following words:
- Prana - "life force" or "life energy"
- Yama - "discipline" or "control"
- Ayama - "expansion", "non-restraint", or "extension"
Thus, Pranayama means "breathing techniques" or "breath control". Ideally, this practice of opening up the inner life force is not merely to take healthy deep breaths. It is intended for yoga practitioners to help and prepare them in their Meditation process.
In our respiration process, we breathe in or inhale oxygen into our body. Then we exhale carbon dioxide and take away all toxic wastes from our body. Through the practice of Pranayama, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is attained. Absorbing prana through breath control links our body, mind, and spirit.
But life is full of stress. Because of the daily work, family, or financial pressures, we tend to ignore our breathing. Thus, it tends to be fast and shallow. The use of only a fraction of your lungs results to lack of oxygen and may lead to different complications. Heart diseases, sleep disorders, and fatigue are some of the effects of oxygen starvation. Therefore, the negative energy of being restless and troublesome leads to lesser prana inside the body. By practicing deep and systematic breathing through Pranayama, we reenergize our body.
