WHAT IS PRANAYAMA?

Prana is the energy that moves the Universe. Some say that the Prana is the Universe itself. It is the energy of life.

Pranayama is the control of Prana. That is, it goes far beyond breathing exercises. It is during these exercises that you capture the vital energy of nature, the Universe, and cause it to circulate through your energy channels.

The energy channels are many. Obviously, they are part of your energy body. And they are analogous to veins and arteries of the physical body. But instead of carrying blood, they carry Prana.

This flow of vital energy, present in your energetic body, varies throughout the day, throughout the day and throughout life, is never the same. Sometimes you are full, full of energy and disposition. Other times you feel heavy, with the lowest energy, a tiredness without much explanation. You already felt that way, did not you? With the energy oscillating?

Pranayamas have the ability to regulate this energy. Making Prana circulate in a balanced way and you feel good with renewed energies.

In addition, Yoga breathing exercises help relieve excess thoughts, leaving the mind more serene. By paying attention to your breathing, you become disconnected from everything else. It begins to observe the present moment and leaves aside worries and anxieties.

THE BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA – YOGA RESPIRATORY EXERCISES

Let us now know some benefits of this ancient technique:

• Increase lung capacity;
• Improves resistance;
• Revitalizes the body;
• Improves concentration;
• Reduces stress and anxiety;
• Assisting in the treatment of depression;
• Improves mood;
• Improves digestion;
• Treats insomnia;
• Improves oxygen uptake;
• Purifies the airways;
• Improves blood circulation;
• It balances the energy in the chakras;
• It makes you feel alive, awake and aware;
• Learning to breathe is very important to the body, many people breathe in the wrong way, by mouth, and this can be harmful.

PRANAYAMA PRACTICE

Watch this video and make a delicious practice of Pranayama to reenergize all your cells and bring a delicious feeling of well-being.

Here are some tips for improving your Pranayama practice before you start practicing:

• The best time to practice Pranayama is early in the morning. Two hours before dawn is the time when oxygen has more availability. If you can not perform your breathing exercises at that time, you can do it when you can. Dusk is also a great time;
• Do not practice your breathing exercises with a full stomach;
• Choose a quiet and peaceful place to practice. It can be outdoors or indoors. If it is in an enclosed environment such as rooms or bedrooms, check the ventilation and avoid air conditioning whenever possible.
• Establish a routine and maintain regularity in order to enjoy the benefits of this practice.

Three basic breathing exercises you practice alone:

1. Consistent Breathing – Adhama Pranayama

If you have time to learn only one pranayama technique, this should be it.

In a coherent breath, the goal is to breathe at a rate of five breaths per minute, which usually translates into inhalation and exhalation up to the six count.

If you have never practiced breathing exercises before, you may need to work through this practice slowly, beginning with inhalation and exhalation until the count of three and then progressing up to the count of six.

1. Sitting, standing or lying down, place your hands on your belly, at the level of your belly button.

2. Inhale slowly through the nostrils, expanding your belly, to the count of five.

3. Pause.

4. Exhale slowly through the nostrils until the count is six.

5. At your own pace try practicing this pattern for 10 to 20 minutes a day.

2. Anti-Stress Breathing – Kapalabhati Pranayama

When your mind is racing or you feel tense, try that breath, which has the added benefit of strengthening your core.

1. Sit directly on the floor or on the edge of a chair, keep the spine erect.

2. Put your hands on your belly.

3. When inhaling through the nostrils, your abdomen should be projecting forward.

4. Exhale at once, expelling all the air through the nostrils, pulling the navel inward.

5. Repeat inhalation, followed by vigorous exhalation 20 times.

3. Energizing Breathing HA – Pranayama

1. Stand, elbows bent, palms facing up.

2. When inhaling, go with your elbows back, palms are still facing up.

3. Then the exhalation will happen through the mouth, as if you spoke an “HA” aloud, the exhalation should happen quickly, while exhaling push the palms forward and turning them down.

4. Repeat 10 to 15 times.