The Science of Pranayama

Pranayama is an exercise with air. The Sanskrit word 'prana' means breath or bio-energy, while 'ayama' means regulation or control.

Pranayama is a scientific method of controlling or regulating the breath, leading to better health for both mind and body.

Pranayama is not as complex as it is made out to be, but neither is it something that can be taken lightly.

The ancient Sanskrit texts state that Pranayama properly done can cure all diseases, but wrongly done will only invite the same diseases!

In fact, if pranayamas like Kapalabhati is wrongly performed it can even cause piles. It is thus of utmost importance to learn pranayama from a proper teacher.

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Rules for Pranayama:

• Seating Arrangement

Select a clean and peaceful place for doing Pranayama.

You must do it in an airy and comfortable atmosphere. You cannot do it in a claustrophobic space. Pranayama must done in fresh air and not in an air conditioned room otherwise one might catch a cold. Sit either in any of the asanas, like Padmasana, Sidhasana or Vajrasana, whichever you find convenient. The sheet or cloth (cotton or wool) on which you sit must be a non-conductor of electricity.

Pranayama should be done in a proper posture. Spine erect and firm base. No slouching. Otherwise the breath won't go into the lungs properly.

• Directions 

Breathe only through the nose, because by doing so the air which you take in is filtered. Even during the daytime when you are not doing of Pranayama make it a habit to do respire only through nose and not through mouth.

Pranayama should also be performed three hours after taking food.

In the morning Pranayama should be done after finishing daily routine acts like brushing your teeth, emptying of bowels etc., it should also be done before asana.

In the beginning Pranayama should be done for five or ten minutes gradually the time may be increased up to about half or one hour. Maintain a specific number of repetitions. Maintain a specific rhythm. Kapalabhati Pranayama, if done regularly for a few days will help in curing constipation.

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