Pranayama
Pranayama(From Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga)
"Pranayama is control of Breath". "Prana" is Breath or vital energy in the body. On subtle levels prana represents the pranic energy responsible for life or life force, and "ayama" means control. So Pranayama is "Control of Breath". One can control the rhythms of pranic energy with pranayama and achieve healthy body and mind. Patanjali in his text of Yoga Sutras mentioned pranayama as means of attaining higher states of awareness, he mentions the holding of breath as important practice of reaching Samadhi. Hatha Yoga also talks about 8 types of pranayama which will make the body and mind healthy.
Benifits Of Pranayama
Pranayama techniques are beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorder.
Pranayama improves the autonomic functions.
It helps relieving the symptoms of asthma.
It reduces the signs of oxidative stress in the body.
Practicing pranayama everyday can assist in steady mind, strong will power and sound judgement.
Regular pranayama can extend life and enhance ones perception of life.
Number of studies show that pranayama causes change in the cardio respiratory system including lowering of blood pressure
Certain pranayama’s are excellent for weight loss.