17/09/2024
PRANAYAMA BREATHING TECHNIQUE
In Sanskrit, “prana” means “life force,” and literally describes the energy that is believed to sustain the life of the body. “Ayama” translates as “to extend, expand, or draw out,” although some say that the word is actually dervied from “yama,” meaning “control.”
Pranayama is an ancient breathing technique that originates from yogic practices in India.
It involves controlling your breath in different styles and lengths. It has more recently gained popularity in the western world because of the many health benefits that come from a pranayama practice.
Some of the benefits are:
1. it is a powerful tool for healing and enhancing clarity and vitality.
2. improves concentration.
3. clears out blocked energy channels in the body.
4. helps to stay calm.
5. keeps the heartbeat in normal rhythm.
6. releases stress and anxiety.
7. calms the nervous system.
8. helps to improve sleep.
9. lowers the blood pressure.
10. Improves respiratory function.
and many more…
How to practice Pranayama?
There are many types of Pranayama Breathing Technique.
The simplest way to practice Pranayama is:
In a quiet place that no one will interact you during your practice, no phones are allowed, you may have a nice calm music and a candle if you need to concentrate more easily. Light the candle and keep your eyes focused on the flame. When you feel ready close your eyes and concentrate your mind on your breathing technique.
Sit in a comfortable position, you may have your legs straight, crossed or in lotus position. You may also sit on a blanket or a block if needed, to keep your hips higher and relax your knees.
If the position is not comfortable you will not be able to relax gain the benefits of Pranayama.
You can place your palms on top of your knees facing up or down or on you can place your palms on your belly.
Concentrate on your breathing, inhale throw your nose filling your belly with air by counting slowly from 1 to 4, hold your breath for a second and then exhale slowly by counting again from 1 to 4 dragging your belly in, like your belly is going to touch your spine.
Do these few times, as much as your body feels ok and then breath normally.
Stay in this position few more minutes to understand and feel the benefits of Pranayama Breathing!!!
NAMASTE 💖
