What is a Pranayama?

Pranayama comes from joining two words, Prana (Lifeforce) and Yama (to control). Bringing these two words together forms the word ‘Pranayama’ which means ‘to control the life force’. People often come up with misconceptions around Pranayama with the belief that only the popularized methods like Anuloma Viloma/Nadi Shodhana, Kapal Bhati, etc. are the only ways to do Pranayama. This is absolutely incorrect. Pranayama can be as simple as controlling your breath, especially at times when you feel like giving control of your breath. There are numerous benefits to Pranayama, a lot more than what can be counted on your fingertips…but, for now, we’ll only discuss the ones which will lengthen the pleasure of being alive.

Benefits of Pranayama:-

• A longer, fuller life: Practicing Pranayama every day helps us lengthen our breaths which in turn lengthen our life.
• A healthier heart: Doing regular Pranayama practice helps in better circulation of blood to our heart which also happens to be the most hardworking muscle in our body.
• Improved organ functioning: It stimulates the Autonomic Nervous system which results in better functioning of your Heart, abdomen, kidneys, intestines, etc.
• An active body: Practicing Pranayama everyday helps in eliminating lethargy from the body as a result of which we feel much cleaner, healthier and active from within.
• An immunity booster: With a better circulation of blood, removal of toxins, prevention of diseases, it is safe to say that Pranayama practice boosts immunity.
• A stronger mind: With regular Pranayama practice, your thoughts can be controlled to an extent that you gain freedom from negative thoughts, anxiety, depression anger issues, etc.
• A more stable mind: Pranayama is the 4^th limb of Ashtanga Yoga. Practicing Pranayama prepares the mind for meditation.

These are only a few benefits of Pranayama. But remember, a wrong practice of Pranayama can even damage your body in many ways. We’ll talk about that some other time, but for now, learn the right methods of proper Pranayama practice by joining Shathayu Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat and allow us to help you heal together live fuller.

Heal with Yoga on this International Yoga day (June 21st) An exclusive session on Laughter Yoga led by the founder Dr.Madan Kataria. Join us for this mega event as we urge people to make yoga an integral part of their life.