Pranayama can be understood as the regulation of breath. It consists of series of exercises especially intended to meet the body’s needs and keep it in vibrant health.
Pranayama comes from the following words:
- Prana – “life force” or “life energy”
- Yama – “discipline” or “control”
- Ayama – “expansion”, “non-restraint”, or “extension”
Thus, Pranayama means “breathing techniques” or “breath control”. Ideally, this practice of opening up the inner life force is not merely to take healthy deep breaths. It is intended for yoga practitioners to help and prepare them in their meditation process.
In our respiration process, we breathe in or inhale oxygen into our body, going through our body systems in a form of energy to charge our different body parts. Then we exhale carbon dioxide and take away all toxic wastes from our body. Through the practice of Pranayama, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is attained. Absorbing prana through breath control links our body, mind, and spirit.
Benefits of Pranayama
Breathing is a normal part of our life, though we hardly pay attention to it. It is an autonomic function of the body that we perform even without concentrating on it. Why then do we have to learn yoga breathing? Here are some reasons why Pranayama is important:
- Pranayama teaches us the proper way to breathe. We became used to breathing from our chest, using only a fraction of the lungs, not knowing that this unhealthy and unnatural way of inhaling may lead to several complications. With yoga breathing, we increase the capacity of our lungs, bringing more oxygen supply to the body to function well. We learn how to breathe slowly and deeply – the right way.
- Pranayama reduces the toxins and body wastes from within our body. It prevents one from acquiring diseases.
- Pranayama helps in one’s digestion. With the proper way of breathing, one’s metabolism and health condition will start to improve.
- Pranayama develops our concentration and focus. It fights away stress and relaxes the body. Controlling one’s breathing also results to serenity and peace of mind.
- Pranayama develops better self-control. Through concentration, one can better handle temper and reactions. Mind can function clearly, avoiding arguments and wrong decisions. Moreover, self-control also involves control over one’s physical body.
- Pranayama leads to spiritual journey through a relaxed body and mind.
However, Pranayama should not be forced and done without proper preparation, or it may lead to nervous breakdowns. It is part of a process in yoga. Breath control is a spiritual practice of cleansing the mind and body which should be done appropriately and with proper guidance and preparation.