Pranayama

Pranayama is one of the main pillars of Yoga practice and has been widely researched from ancient times until today.

The interpretation of the word Pranayama is ambiguous. It is often believed to be composed of the compound prana and yama (control) , i.e. control of breathing, while another view of it is as prana and ayama (expansion, elongation). The word prana means vital energy, life force. If we break the word prana into its two constituents, pra means very good and an means to go; to travel. So prana means that which travels well to all parts of our body and pranayama is the life energy that travels unhindered and expands. Unbalanced flow of energy in the body is disease, and its absence is death.

Prana exists in all living beings and is responsible for all the functions of life, all the systems of the body and controls the senses and the mind.

Breathing is not prana, nor is prana the air we breathe (if this were true then we could bring a dead person back to life by administering oxygen). Breathing is an EXPRESSION of prana, an expression of life and the force that supports that life. Breathing is the MEANS by which we can get in touch with this subtle, intangible manifestation of consciousness and use it as a means of introspection and knowledge of ourselves.

It is inseparable from consciousness. Although we cannot see or touch prana, breathing is a means to influence it indirectly. When the breath changes, the flow of prana can change.

Given the close relationship between breath, prana and mind, breath can be used as an effective means to influence the mind. The mind, chatty by nature, can pause for only a few seconds through observation of the breath. This pause, is not just a blank, but a state of deep conscious relaxation, providing the background for healing and inner transformation.

The Yoga Sutras (II:49) define pranayama as the 'Conscious change in the rhythm of breathing'. There are few to no moments when we are aware of our breathing during the day. But when we become aware and regulate our breathing, we consciously connect our breathing to our mind. Inner turmoil and thoughts diminish, and as the mind quiets, so does our inner field expand where change can occur.

This 'Conscious Change of Breath' referred to in the Yoga Sutras is done in two ways:

1. Passive Observation: This is when I simply observe the way I breathe, without judging or changing anything. As the observation continues, with a focused mind, then the pace starts to change and becomes slower, or the holds increase. The observation itself causes a change in the way I breathe. Observing the breath in focus for a long time is in itself a very enlightening experience, because thoughts, images and emotions emerge that were previously deeply hidden in the subconscious mind.

2. Active conscious change of breathing rhythm. Breathing consists of 4 parts:

• Inhalation: Involves the increase in the volume of the chest cavity which is achieved through the descent of the diaphragm and the upward and outward movement of the ribs during inhalation. It provides the body with activation and renewal. 
• Exhalation: Achieved correspondingly by reducing the volume of the chest cavity. It brings a sense of relaxation and release.
• Hold after inhalation: When I hold my inhalation, the breathing capacity of the lungs increases, the tendency of the back to arch is reduced and the torso becomes more flexible because the spine lengthens with each inhalation.
• Hold after exhalation: When I hold my exhale-among other things, the abdominal muscles and digestive system are strengthened, and the tendency of the waist to lurch is also reduced.

The proportions between the 4 stages of breathing are too many, so the presence and guidance of a yoga teacher is important.

Some of the most widely used pranayama techniques are Nadi Shodana, Bhastrika, Bhastrika, Kapalbhati, Bhramari, Ujayi, Anulom Vilom, Sheetali, Sheetkari, Murcha, Plavini and many others.  They are mainly divided into balancing, calming and energizing techniques. Our main sources are in the Hatha Yoga branch and are given in texts such as Hatha Yoga Pradipika or Gheranda Samhita.  

Pranayama is a gift for the body, mind and soul, a valuable self-care tool that helps us to live mindfully and fully.

Your breath is your greatest teacher. It holds the wisdom of the universe within.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar