The Different Types Of Pranayama And Their Benefits

1. The Different Types Of Pranayama And Their Benefits Pranayama happens to be one of the core features of Yoga, and also a meditative practice. It is so powerful, that even if you do not practice asanas, you can still get all the benefits of yoga, through just Pranayama practice. Pranayama is basically a Sanskrit word, which means ‘control over breath’. The breath is controlled properly, can help to channelize all the other forces, like the ‘Prana’. Pranayama goes back to 5000 BC, at around the same time, when yoga and meditation came to the forefront. The Yoga Sutras were also penned down at around that time. If you delve into the practice of Pranayama, you will find that, no matter which type you practice, three stages will be the same. You will learn about the same in the 100 Hr Yoga Teacher Training in Chiang Mai. However, you should know the names of the stages like Puraka, Rechaka, and Kumbhaka. Puraka, is the process of inhalation. Rechaka is exhalation, and Kumbhaka is retention of breath. You can practice these as a part of asanas, or in meditation alone.

2. Yoga Samaadhi School teaches the practices in complete detail. For now, you should know about the different types of Pranayama here. Types of Pranayama Decoded In the Yoga Teacher Training in Chiang Mai, you will learn about the Pranayama techniques. They are- Nadi Shodhana Pranayama– It is also referred to as Alternate Nostril breathing. Through this Pranayama, you will be able to bring about a balance in all the three doshas. It is an extremely simple process, but best performed under the guidance of experienced teachers in the initial levels. You have to sit in a comfortable position, and place the left hand on the left knee. Use the right hand to close the right nostril. Inhale deeply through the left one and then close the same. Exhale the breath through the right one, after removing the fingers, and then inhale fresh air again. Close the same again and open the left nostril to repeat the process. You can repeat the process for up to 10 times. This Pranayama helps to focus and also increases the practitioner’s attention.

3. Shitali Pranayama –It is also called Cooling breath. It is always better, to do this Pranayama in the summer months. It is important for all such practices, to be done in the cross-legged position. You can prepare yourself for the Pranayama, by initially taking a few breaths in and then releasing the same. After you are done with this, you should roll your tongue out and curve the lips. Slowly inhale through the mouth and then hold the breath, in your chin lock or Jalandhara bandha. Exhale after some time, and the repeat the process around 10-15 times. This Cooling breath also reduces anxiety levels in individuals. Ujjayi Pranayama –This is one of the most important Pranayama techniques, which finds place in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as well. There are other names associated with the breathing technique, like Victorious breath and Ocean’s breath. You recreate the sound of the ocean’s waves, through this Pranayama technique. Moreover, during the process, the chest and diaphragm are both lifted, so it gives the appearance of a victorious soldier. In this breathing technique, you have to start with a comfortable pose, like the most common cross-legged one. Breathe in through the mouth. After you have done that, you have to constrict the throat, and then close the mouth. Breathe through the nose continuously, while keeping the throat constricted. You can do the same for around five cycles. It is one of the most potent forms of Pranayama which soothes the mind, and also increases psychic awareness. Bhramari Pranayama – Another very potent form of Pranayama is the Bhramari Pranayama, which is also called Humming Bee breath. In this practice, you have to be seated in a comfortable position, as in other yogic practices. Close your eyes and ears with the fingers and thumb. Inhale deeply and then exhale slowly, with a deep buzzing beelike sound. Many yogic practitioners also utter the sound ‘Aum’ as it is one of the most important mantras according to Vedic principles. Once you have

4. let out the breath, one cycle is completed. You can practice this breathing for 5-10 minutes. This Pranayama promotes self- healing and also relieves all kinds of hypertension and blood pressure issues. You will learn about this Pranayama in the 100 Hr Yoga Teacher Training in Chiang Mai. The Science of Breath Decoded - Yoga Teacher Training in Chiang Mai Most people breathe without even knowing what it entails. However, scientists are telling one and all, to observe one’s breathing patterns. It is believed that such a practice can have far reaching repercussions on one’s mental state of mind. The process or activity of breathing impacts the mind, body, as well as the soul, in various ways. In Pranayama, you get to establish control over your breathing patterns. Thereby, you get to be more mindful. Practicing mindfulness means that you live in the present. The main focus turns to the current circumstances, as the past fades away and the future does not matter any longer. Your emotional patterns will be regulated as well. Additionally, the practice tends to induce energy into spaces, that are otherwise inaccessible by the incumbent. Pranayama also improves the working of the nervous system. If you practice Pranayama as a part

5. of the Yoga Teacher Training in Chiang Mai, on a regular basis, many diseases of the nervous system are cured. You will be able to avoid strokes, migraines, and also diseases of the memory, through diligent Pranayama practice. Another benefit that it has, is that it diminishes the age of the practitioner. Immune function and metabolic activity also improve. You can affect your entire biological being, by regular Pranayama practice. Apart from the above, the respiratory system is also deeply affected through such consistent practices. If you suffer from Asthma, Bronchitis, and Pneumonia, Pranayama will definitely benefit you. Additionally, it also assists in de-addiction. You will be able to quite smoking, drugs, and alcohol, if you stick to your practice. Moreover, the symptoms of withdrawals are also handled well, through the breathing techniques mentioned above. Thus, Pranayama is all- encompassing and truly a gift to mankind.