Changes

* It improves concentration skills

* It improves concentration skills

* It releases anxiety

* It releases anxiety

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

* It expands the lungs and improves lung capacity<ref name=":0" />

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.<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>

== प्राणायामस्य प्रकाराः ॥ Types of Pranayama ==

== प्राणायामस्य प्रकाराः ॥ Types of Pranayama ==

# Laya or Silencing Pranayama like Bhramari<ref name=":0" />

# Laya or Silencing Pranayama like Bhramari<ref name=":0" />

=== I. Vitalizing Pranayama: Kapalabhati is one of the yoga ===

=== Vitalizing Pranayama ===

vitalizing prnayama. 'Kapalbhati' means 'shining forehead' in sanskrit.

Kapalabhati is one of the vitalizing pranayamas. 'Kapalabhati' means 'shining forehead' in Samskrit.<ref name=":0" /> The process involves exhaling with full force by squaring the stomach inwards after deep inspiration. This act throws the abdominal gas out with a jerk.<ref name=":3" /> Thus, it removes carbon-dioxide from the body and makes one feel fresh, oxygenated and vitalized.<ref name=":0" />

=== Balancing Pranayama ===

 

Also known as alternative nostril breathing, Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama is a balancing pranayama. The process involves using alternate nostril breathing. Shuddhi means ‘to purify’. The practice balances the flow of breath through both the right and left nostrils.

 

 

=== II. Balancing Pranayama: Nadi Shuddhi pranayama is a ===

blancing pranayama using alternate nostril breathing. Shuddhi means ‘to purify’. The practice balances the flow of breath through both the right and left nostrils.

Benefits

Benefits

• The deeper breathing enriches the blood with oxygen.

• The deeper breathing enriches the blood with oxygen.

• This pranayama strengthens the respiratory system and

• This pranayama strengthens the respiratory system and balances the nervous system.

 

balances the nervous system.

• It helps to relieve nervousness and headaches.

• It helps to relieve nervousness and headaches.

=== III. Cooling Pranayama: Chandra Anuloma Viloma Pranayama ===

=== Cooling Pranayama ===

is a cooling Prnayama. It is done in which both inhalation and exhalation is done through left nostril adopting Nasika Mudra.

Chandra Anuloma Viloma Pranayama is a cooling Pranayama. It is done in which both inhalation and exhalation is done through left nostril adopting Nasika Mudra.

Benefits

Benefits

• It is not advisable to practice in winter

• It is not advisable to practice in winter

=== IV. Laya or Silencing Pranayama - Bhramari is a Laya or ===

=== Laya or Silencing Pranayama ===

Silencing Pranayama. This Pranyama helps to reduce stress and anger and brings calmness and silence within you. Bhramari is derived from Bhramara which means a 'black humming bee'. In this pranayama, the practitioner makes the sound which resembles the buzzing sound of a black bee which brings calmness and silencing of mind.

Bhramari is a Laya or Silencing Pranayama. This Pranyama helps to reduce stress and anger and brings calmness and silence within you. Bhramari is derived from Bhramara which means a 'black humming bee'. In this pranayama, the practitioner makes the sound which resembles the buzzing sound of a black bee which brings calmness and silencing of mind.

Benefits

Benefits