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| Furthermore, Pranayama helps in making breathing slow and rhythmic. And when the breath slows down, the [[Manas (मनः)|mind]] also becomes calmer. Therefore, Pranayama as a practice uses breath to soothe the fluctuations of ‘chitta’ or the active thinking mind.<ref name=":0" /> | | Furthermore, Pranayama helps in making breathing slow and rhythmic. And when the breath slows down, the [[Manas (मनः)|mind]] also becomes calmer. Therefore, Pranayama as a practice uses breath to soothe the fluctuations of ‘chitta’ or the active thinking mind.<ref name=":0" /> |
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− | === प्राणायामस्य प्रयोजनानि ॥ Benefits of Pranayama ===
| + | == प्राणायामस्य प्रयोजनानि ॥ Benefits of Pranayama == |
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| * It improves [[Rakta Dhatu (रक्त धातु)|blood]] circulation | | * It improves [[Rakta Dhatu (रक्त धातु)|blood]] circulation |
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| * It raises energy levels | | * It raises energy levels |
| It causes over-all improvement in lung functions. It is even speculated that Pranayama influences the functional status of the autonomic nervous system through a neural reflex mechanism in the superior nasal meatus.<ref name=":3">Senthil Kumar K. and Others (2013), [https://www.ijmrhs.com/medical-research/consolidate-effect-of-vibhagha-pranayama-nadishuddi-pranayama-savithiri-pranayama-and-kapalabhati-pranayama-on-the-pulmo.pdf Consolidate effect of Vibhagha Pranayama, Nadi Shuddi Pranayama, Savithiri Pranayama and Kapalabhati Pranayama on the Pulmonary Functional Status of Young Healthy Male Subjects], International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences (Volume 2 Issue 3 July-September), Accessed on 1st November 2022.</ref> More importantly, Pranayama helps develop the capacity and fitness for holding focus in the matter of practicing dharanas. Because mind and Prana are mutually agitative; mind's agitation agitates Prana while Prana's agitation agitates the mind. Thus, stabilizing the Prana facilitates mind's ability to concentrate.<ref name=":1">Swami Veda Bharati (2001), Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Volume II Sadhana Pada), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref> | | It causes over-all improvement in lung functions. It is even speculated that Pranayama influences the functional status of the autonomic nervous system through a neural reflex mechanism in the superior nasal meatus.<ref name=":3">Senthil Kumar K. and Others (2013), [https://www.ijmrhs.com/medical-research/consolidate-effect-of-vibhagha-pranayama-nadishuddi-pranayama-savithiri-pranayama-and-kapalabhati-pranayama-on-the-pulmo.pdf Consolidate effect of Vibhagha Pranayama, Nadi Shuddi Pranayama, Savithiri Pranayama and Kapalabhati Pranayama on the Pulmonary Functional Status of Young Healthy Male Subjects], International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences (Volume 2 Issue 3 July-September), Accessed on 1st November 2022.</ref> More importantly, Pranayama helps develop the capacity and fitness for holding focus in the matter of practicing dharanas. Because mind and Prana are mutually agitative; mind's agitation agitates Prana while Prana's agitation agitates the mind. Thus, stabilizing the Prana facilitates mind's ability to concentrate.<ref name=":1">Swami Veda Bharati (2001), Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Volume II Sadhana Pada), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref> |
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| + | Moreover, Pranayama is an important tool for treating psychological and emotional disorders. It is excellent to counter depression, release grief and attachment, and reduce stress and tension.<ref name=":8">David Frawley (1999), [https://archive.org/details/yogaayurvedaselfhealingandselfrealizationdavidfrawley_757_/mode/2up Yoga & Ayurveda], Wisconsin: Lotus Press.</ref> |
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| + | === प्राणायामः प्राणाग्निश्च ॥ Pranayama and Pranagni === |
| + | Each of the five koshas or encasements of human existence like Annamaya kosha, Pranamaya kosha, etc. as described earlier, have a different form of agni responsible for their development. The agni of the sheath of vitality or the Pranamaya kosha is the Pranagni that is responsible for the digestion of prana in the body. |
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| + | Pranagni develops primarily through correct retention of the breath that follows deep inhalation. Inhaled oxygen is food for pranagni; exhaled carbon dioxide is its waste material. Just as fasting purifies the physical body, so breath retention purifies the subtle body. Thus, the practice of Panayama help develop the Pranagni.<ref name=":8" /> |
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| == प्राणायामस्य प्रकाराः ॥ Types of Pranayama == | | == प्राणायामस्य प्रकाराः ॥ Types of Pranayama == |