Pranayama- 4th Limb of Yoga

Pranayama- 4th Limb of Yoga

What is Pranayama?

The sage Patanjali wrote the eight limbs of yoga, each branch/limb, when practiced, is designed to help the practitioner live a more disciplined life with the goal of alleviating suffering. Pranayama is the fourth limb.

Prana meaning vital energy/life force.

Yama meaning rythym.

Vital energy is everywhere in the body.

Pranayama is the voluntary alteration of breath (breath control). Through Pranayama techniques you can change time, the force or volume of air and space of the breath. You will realize that the mind and breath work in relation together.

The breath is the most basic function of our body, without we cannot survive. It is a beautiful link between the body, mind & soul. Every emotion has a corresponding rhythm of breath – notice when you are angry, anxious or sad, your breath may become heavy and rapid – now imagine when you are happy and relaxed, your breath becomes long and light.

How often you are conscious of your breathing? We use on average about 35% of our lung capacity, therefore through pranayama we can increase our lung capacity which will improve blood circulation.

Every inhale nourishes the body sending fresh and oxygenated blood to all organs, muscles and cells, every exhale detoxes our body. Around 85% of the toxins in our body are eliminated through breath.

Here are 3 reasons to practice Pranayama:-

1) Breath becomes slower: Pranayama will help lessen the rate of breathing from 15 breaths per minute to 5 to 6 breaths, this helps reduce stress on your internal organs, relaxing the central nervous system and lowering blood pressure – which is great news for our heart!

2) Keeps us energized: Pranayama breaks up digestive blockages that contribute to low energy and constipation. It accelerates weight loss, increases lymph flow, and releases fatigue-causing toxins.

3) Peaceful state of mind: Our ego will always cling to the negative, you can walk in to a supermarket and 9 out of 10 people can pay you a compliment, but our ego will cling to the comment that came across as negative.

Some of us suffer from anxiety or depression (even though we may not recognize it) and it can interfere in our life more than we realize.

Pranayama helps focus our thoughts, brings our mind back to the present moment, can calm us in any situation that life may present to us.

Pranayama can be used as a tool for relaxation, alleviating insomnia and promoting healthy sleep.

However, whether you include pranayama as part of your yoga practice or not, value your breath, be greatful for it – for without it; would we have life?

Pranayama should be practiced with care, there are a few instances where one should consult a doctor before

practicing, such as:

High or low blood pressure,

During pregnancy,

If you have fever, bronchitis, or pneumonia,

Anyone going through radiation or chemo therapy.

Anyone going through psychological condition, sadness, grief, trauma, anger, anxiety, depression or suicidal feelings.

No Comments

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.