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Pranayama (Samskrit: प्राणायामः) is one of the eight elements in Ashtanga Yoga propounded by Maharshi Patanjali. It is the fourth step in the eightfold path of Yoga that culminates in Samadhi. Panayama is preceeded by Yamas, Niyamas, Asanas and is followed by Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. The article explores the meaning, types, objectives and benefits of Pranayama practice.<ref>Yoga - Level B ([https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/OBE_indian_knowledge_tradition/Level_B/Yoga/Yoga_(Level-B)_ch-3-final.pdf Chapter 3]), Open Basic Education Programme (Bharatiya Jnana Parampara), Noida: National Institute of Open Schooling.</ref>

Pranayama (Samskrit: प्राणायामः) is one of the eight elements in Ashtanga Yoga propounded by Maharshi Patanjali. It is the fourth step in the eightfold path of Yoga that culminates in Samadhi. Panayama is preceeded by Yamas, Niyamas, Asanas and is followed by Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. The article explores the meaning, types, objectives and benefits of Pranayama practice.<ref name=":0">Yoga - Level B ([https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/OBE_indian_knowledge_tradition/Level_B/Yoga/Yoga_(Level-B)_ch-3-final.pdf Chapter 3]), Open Basic Education Programme (Bharatiya Jnana Parampara), Noida: National Institute of Open Schooling.</ref>

== OBJECTIVES ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

After studying this lesson, you will be able to :

Prana means ‘energy’ and Ayama is ‘to regulate’. Pranayama essentially refers to the practice by which one can regulate the vital energy. Pranayama helps in making breathing slow and rhythmic. And when the breath slows down, the 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" />

 

• explain the terms Asana and Pranayama;

 

• list the types of Asana and Pranayama;

• describe the objectives and benefits of Asana and Pranayama;

=== प्राणायामस्य प्रयोजनानि ॥ Benefits of Pranayama ===

* It improves blood circulation

 

* It relaxes the body and mind

* It improves concentration skills

 

* It releases anxiety

* It improves lung capacity<ref name=":0" />

 

• It improves blood circulation

 

• It relaxes the body and mind

 

• It improves your concentration skills

 

• It releases anxiety

 

• It improves the lung capacity

== 3.5 TYPES OF PRANAYAMA ==

== 3.5 TYPES OF PRANAYAMA ==

• It helps in improving concentration and memory.

• It helps in improving concentration and memory.

== References ==

== References ==