When the Breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the Breath is still, so is the mind still." - Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Breathing is life. It is one of our most vital functions. One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama or Breathing Exercise which promotes proper breathing. In a Yogic point of view, proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control Prana or the vital life energy. Pranayama Yoga also goes hand in hand with the Asanas. The union of these two Yogic Principles is considered as the highest form of purification and self-discipline, covering both mind and body.
Benefits of Pranayama
Patanjali has said that one develops concentration and clarity of thought by practising Pranayama. It helps in increasing the mental and physical powers of endurance. It is the path to deeper relaxation and meditation and is a scientific method of controlling breath. It provides complete relaxation to the nervous system. It provides relief from pain caused by the compression of nerve endings. It helps in increasing oxygen supply to the brain which in turn helps controlling the mind.
Sukha Pranayama
How To Do?
Warning : Pranayama must be learnt under expert guidance and after consultation from your physician.
Sit comfortably in any meditative posture. Sit erect. Keep the palms on the knees and observe your natural breathing. Feel the breath flowing and out of the lungs. Let the breathing be natural. Feel the abdominal movement while breathing. While inhaling , let the abdominal wall move out and while exhaling let it move in. Keep your mind clear, only "observing" your breathing. While inhaling, feel the power and energy flow and while exhaling imagine throwing out tension, stress and disease.
What good can this do?
Provides deep relaxation to the body and mind.
Strengthens the nervous system and respiratory system.
Improves concentration.
Relieves stress , depression and hypertension.
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