All Yoga Exercises
"This Is the Fastest Way to Calm Down" ~TIME Health
We charge our cells phones every night, but how do you recharge your mind? The secret may be in your breath.
Pranayamas are yogic breathing exercises that have the ability to quickly increase our energy, release stress, improve our mental clarity, and improve our physical health.
The Art of Living specialises in teaching pranayama in a clear, simple manner, as well as yoga, meditation, ayurveda and a unique and very powerful breathing technique called Sudarshan Kriya.
Below, we explain what pranayamas are and how they benefit us, and suggest breathing exercises you can learn today.
What is Prana and Where Did Pranayamas Come From?
The ancient Indian system of yoga identified prana as the universal life force or energy which distinguishes the living from the dead, and flows through thousands of subtle energy channels they called ‘nadis’ and energy centers called ‘chakras.’
These original yogic seers observed the power of the breath to increase one’s prana and developed special breathing techniques to increase life energy, maintain health and create a calm, clear state of mind that is conducive for meditation.
Sources of Prana
We get 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 is said to be generally 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 die. And, as we will see in a moment, the way we breathe has a powerful effect on how we feel.
The Effects of High and Low Prana
It was discovered that the quantity and quality of prana and the way it flows through the nadis (subtle energy channels) determines one’s state of mind.
Due to lack of attention, the energy channels in the average person may be partially blocked, making the flow of prana broken and jerky. This results in increased worry, fear, uncertainty, conflict, tension and other negative emotions.
When the prana level is high and its flow is continuous, smooth and steady, then the mind is calm, positive and enthusiastic.
What is Yogic Breathing or Pranayama?
‘Prana’ refers to the universal life force and ‘ayama’ means to regulate or lengthen.
Prana is the vital energy needed by our physical and subtle layers, without which the body would perish. It is what keeps us alive.
Pranayama is the control of prana through the breath. These techniques rely on breathing through the nostrils. The ancient sages of India realized these breathing techniques. Some common pranayamas include Bhastrika, Kapalabhati, and Nadi Shodan pranayama, and you can find links to learn these below.
Practiced correctly, under the right supervision pranayama brings harmony between the body, mind and spirit, making one physically, mentally and spiritually strong.
Benefits Of Pranayamas (Breathing Exercises)
The key to healthy and happy living may lie in right breathing. When we attend to our breath, it brings us to the present moment, increases our self-awareness, and brings a sense of calm.
Pranayama goes a step further than simple awareness of the breath, using specific rhythms and techniques to bring us numerous benefits on the mental, emotional and physical levels.
- Calms the mind, reducing worries and anxieties
- Improves focus and attention, removing brain fog
- Increases energy, bringing enthusiasm and positivity
- Boosts the immune system
- Rejuvenates the body and mind
- May even slow down the aging process
