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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>
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== OBJECTIVES ==
 
== OBJECTIVES ==
 
After studying this lesson, you will be able to :
 
After studying this lesson, you will be able to :
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and
 
and
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• adopt the correct procedure for undertaking Asana and
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• adopt the correct procedure for undertaking Asana and Pranayama.
 
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Pranayama.
      
== 3.4 PRANAYAMA ==
 
== 3.4 PRANAYAMA ==
Prana means ‘energy’ and Ayama is ‘to regulate’. Pranayama is
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Prana means ‘energy’ and Ayama is ‘to regulate’. Pranayama is the practice by which one can regulates the vital energy. Pranayama helps to make the breath slow and rhythmic. When the breath slows down, mind becomes calm. It is the practice of using the breath to soothe the fluctuations of ‘chitta’ or the active thinking mind.
 
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the practice by which one can regulates the vital energy.
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Pranayama helps to make the breath slow and rhythmic. When
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the breath slows down, mind becomes calm. It is the practice of
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using the breath to soothe the fluctuations of ‘chitta’ or the active
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thinking mind.
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Benefits of Pranayama
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=== Benefits of Pranayama ===
 
• It improves blood circulation
 
• It improves blood circulation
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There are four types of Pranayama:
 
There are four types of Pranayama:
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I. Vitalizing Pranayama: Kapalabhati is one of the yoga
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=== I. Vitalizing Pranayama: Kapalabhati is one of the yoga ===
 
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vitalizing prnayama. 'Kapalbhati' means 'shining forehead' in sanskrit.
vitalizing prnayama. 'Kapalbhati' means 'shining forehead' in
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sanskrit.
      
Benefits:
 
Benefits:
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• Makes you feel fresh, oxygenated and vitalized.
 
• Makes you feel fresh, oxygenated and vitalized.
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II. Balancing Pranayama: Nadi Shuddhi pranayama is a
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=== II. Balancing Pranayama: Nadi Shuddhi pranayama is a ===
 
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blancing pranayama using alternate nostril breathing. Shuddhi means ‘to purify’. The practice balances the flow of breath through both the right and left nostrils.
blancing pranayama using alternate nostril breathing. Shuddhi means ‘to purify’. The practice balances the flow of breath
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through both the right and left nostrils.
      
Benefits
 
Benefits
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• It helps to relieve nervousness and headaches.
 
• It helps to relieve nervousness and headaches.
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III. Cooling Pranayama: Chandra Anluloma Viloma Pranayama
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=== III. Cooling Pranayama: Chandra Anuloma Viloma Pranayama ===
 
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is a cooling Prnayama. It is done in which both inhalation and exhalation is done through left nostril adopting Nasika Mudra.
is a cooling Prnayama. It is done in which both inhalation
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and exhalation is done through left nostril adopting Nasika
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Mudra.
      
Benefits
 
Benefits
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• It is not advisable to practice in winter
 
• It is not advisable to practice in winter
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IV. Laya or Silencing Pranayama - Bhramari is a Laya or
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=== IV. Laya or Silencing Pranayama - Bhramari is a Laya or ===
 
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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.
Silencing Pranayama. This Pranyama helps to reduce stress and
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anger and brings calmness and silence within you. Bhramari is derived from
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Bhramara which means a
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'black humming bee'. In this
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pranayama, the practitioner
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makes the sound which
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resembles the buzzing sound of
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a black bee which brings
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calmness and silencing of
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mind.
      
Benefits
 
Benefits
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• It helps to reduce anger.
 
• It helps to reduce anger.
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• It helps in improving concentration
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• It helps in improving concentration and memory.
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and memory.
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== References ==

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