Yoga BreathBreathing is our life, our fundamental involuntary action. One of the 5 principles of healthy living, Yoga breath is among the most important. From the Yogic viewpoint, right breathing brings extra oxygen to the blood and that is sent to the brain. It also controls Prana or our vital life energy. Yoga breath also goes hand in hand with the Yoga poses. The combination of these 2 Principles of Yoga is regarded as the purest form of physical – and mental – cleansing as well as self-discipline. It covers both the body and mind. Yoga breath is also called Pranayama. It is the science of breathing right. It comprises a set of breathing exercises especially designed to fulfill the body's – and mind’s – needs. It is also intended to keep us in lively, pulsating health. The word Pranayama is derived from the following:
Prana - "vital force" or "energy"
Yama - "observance" or "control"
Ayama - "restraint
So, Pranayama means "breathing exercises" or " control of breath ". In an ideal world, this activity of opening up the vital force is not possible. But, in Yoga is seems not just normal, but even extraordinarily healthy to take deep, healthy breaths. Pranayama is particularly designed for Yoga practitioners who wish to help and prepare themselves for the higher stages of Meditation.
As part of our breathing, we inhale or oxygen, which goes into our lungs and thence to our heart and into our blood stream. This oxygen is transported through our systems as vital energy to charge the different parts our bodies. As we exhale, we discharge carbon dioxide that takes away, or gets rid of all toxic wastes from our systems. By practicing of Pranayama, we maintain the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide on our bodies. As we absorb prana through breath – it links our body, mind, and spirit – we become healthier, calmer and more tranquil. |
