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Pranayama (प्राणायामः) (view source)
Revision as of 18:52, 30 December 2022
, 18:52, 30 December 2022→Laya or Silencing Pranayama: Adding content
=== Vitalizing Pranayama ===
=== Vitalizing Pranayama ===
Generally, the hyperventilating techniques come under the classification of vitalizing pranayamas. They have a stimulating effect on the whole body due to the rapid muscular movement and increased metabolic rate induced in all parts of the body. These techniques exercise the lungs and abdomen, and stimulate the nervous system to balance and strengthen itself. They also have a purifying and heating effect on the body and mind.<ref name=":9" />
Generally, the hyperventilating techniques come under the classification of vitalizing pranayamas. They have a stimulating effect on the whole body due to the rapid muscular movement and increased metabolic rate induced in all parts of the body. These techniques exercise the lungs and abdomen, and stimulate the nervous system to balance and strengthen itself. They also have a purifying and heating effect on the body and mind. Normally, hyperventilation would have an adverse effect on the body, causing dizziness and other symptoms. However, studies have shown that in the practice of Yogic breathing techniques like Bhastrika and Kapalabhati the negative symptoms do not manifest.<ref name=":9" />
Kapalabhati is one of the vitalizing pranayamas. 'Kapalabhati' literally means 'shining forehead' in [[Sanskrit and Bharat (संस्कृतं भारतञ्च)|Samskrit]].<ref name=":0" /> It is made up of two words viz. 'Kapala' meaning 'skull' where skull includes all the organs under the skull too and 'bhati' meaning 'shining' or 'illuminating'. It is called so because the process influences the organs under the skull especially, the brain and the small brain in a good manner.<ref name=":4">Sunil Kumar Yadav (2015), [https://www.academia.edu/12631093/Effect_of_Bhastrika_and_Kapalbhati_Pranayama_on_Selected_Physiological_Variables_of_Sports_Men Effect of Bhastrika & Kapalbhati Pranayama on Selected Physiological Variables of Sports Men], International Educational E-Journal (Volume IV, Issue II, Apr-May-June 2015), Accessed on 2nd November, 2022.</ref> The process of Kapalabhati 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" />
Kapalabhati is one of the vitalizing pranayamas. 'Kapalabhati' literally means 'shining forehead' in [[Sanskrit and Bharat (संस्कृतं भारतञ्च)|Samskrit]].<ref name=":0" /> It is made up of two words viz. 'Kapala' meaning 'skull' where skull includes all the organs under the skull too and 'bhati' meaning 'shining' or 'illuminating'. It is called so because the process influences the organs under the skull especially, the brain and the small brain in a good manner.<ref name=":4">Sunil Kumar Yadav (2015), [https://www.academia.edu/12631093/Effect_of_Bhastrika_and_Kapalbhati_Pranayama_on_Selected_Physiological_Variables_of_Sports_Men Effect of Bhastrika & Kapalbhati Pranayama on Selected Physiological Variables of Sports Men], International Educational E-Journal (Volume IV, Issue II, Apr-May-June 2015), Accessed on 2nd November, 2022.</ref> The process of Kapalabhati 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" />
Bhramari Pranayama is ultimately a method of harmonizing the mind and directing awareness inwards and can act as a beneficial agent to achieve the state of total [[Svasthavrtta (स्वस्थवृत्तम्)|health]].<ref name=":6" />
Bhramari Pranayama is ultimately a method of harmonizing the mind and directing awareness inwards and can act as a beneficial agent to achieve the state of total [[Svasthavrtta (स्वस्थवृत्तम्)|health]].<ref name=":6" />
In an interesting research project carried out in 1993 by Munger Hospital, India in cooperation with Bihar School of Yoga, it is indicated that regular practice of Bhramari during pregnancy alleviates anxiety and stress, the hormone balance of women is better regulated promoting birth of healthy children. The results of their examination of 448 pregnant womrn over the period of one year practising Bhramari during their entire pregnancy period is rather encouraging. It was observed that there was
* Normal blood pressure for all, compared to 25% in the control group with high blood pressure (high blood pressure is a normal occurrence during pregnancy).
* Lower number of miscarriages (2% compared to 8%)
* Fewer premature births (2.6% compared to 5%)
* 25% shorter labour
* Generally little pain during labour
* Only one case (1%) of Caesarean section compared to 4% in the control group
* None of the newborns suffered from lack of oxygen (0% against 12%)
* Greater average weight for the newborns (3325 g compared to 2850 g).
The reason behind the tranquillizing effects of bhramari came to fore through an experiment conducted by dermatologists in 1959. As they were looking for a cure for melanoma (skin cancer caused by an excess of melanin), they found that the pineal gland secreted a hormone, now known as melatonin, which inhibits melanin formation. However, the injection of this hormone put the laboratory animals to sleep. Thus, it was understood that Melatonin is a natural tranquillizer produced by the body, like endorphins, which are painkillers. As bhramari stimulates the pineal gland, it is able to create its signature effects of tranquillization.<ref name=":9" />
== Prana Nigraha ==
== Prana Nigraha ==