Thursday, July 31, 2008

PRANAYAMAS

Pranayama is an aspect of Yoga that deals with breathing. It is the breathing process or the control of the motion of inhalation, exhalation and the retention of vital energy. Proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control Prana or the vital life energy.

Anuloma Viloma - Alternate Nostril Breathing

This pranayama manipulates the flow of energy through the nadis (channels) in your body and ultimately brings about a balance of both stimulation and relaxation.

Bhastrika Breathing

"Bhastrika" is a Sanskrit word meaning the "bellows of a blacksmith". Bellows breathing technique in which the breath is forcibly drawn in and out through the nose in equal proportions, like the pumping action of the bellows. Air is draw in drawn in and out forcefully like a bellows, so it is known as Bhastrika Pranayama.

Bhramari Breathing

In this breathing practice a soft "humming-bee" sound is produced during exhalation. So this pranyama is named Bhramari.

Kapala Bhati

"Kapala" means "skull" (and by implication, the brain) and "Bhati" means "shines" in Sanskrit. This practice cleanses the nasal passages in the skull and other passages of the respiratory system.

Moorchha Pranayama

"Moorchhha" means "fainting" or "swooning breath" in which the breath is inhaled slowly and retained for an extended period.

Sheetali Breathing

"Sheetali Pranayama" or "cooling breath" - a pranayama technique that lowers the body temperature by inhaling through the mouth while letting the breath flow in over the tongue.

Sheetkari Breathing

"Sheetkari Pranayama" - a breathing technique which involves hissing leading to a cooling effect upon the whole body.

Surya Bheda

In this breathing technique inhalation is done through the right nostril.

Ujjayi Breathing

A kind of breathing technique which produces a light sonorous sound.

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