Pranayama, or say the yogic science of breathing offers enormous benefit to the human body and brain. It’s one of the most ancient disciplines practiced in India for attaining peace and self-awareness. Famous Sage Patanjali has also mentioned in his Yoga Sutras about the benefits of Pranayama and how it should be practiced. Researchers and experts of modern science have supported the theories mentioned. Pranayama is capable of treating asthma, stress-related disorder like anxiety and depression by channelizing the energy to the 72 nadis in our body, helping us improve our well-being.
Types of Pranayama
Many of us are unaware of eight major disciplines of Pranayama that helps in regulating and controlling the breath. Let us help you know –
Nadi Sodhana:
This yoga pranayama is innovative and specialized in bringing balances all the three doshas of the human body – the mind, body, and soul. For performing Nadi Sodhna, you need to sit in a comfortable in a cross-legged position. Now use the right hand to close the right side of your nose, inhale deeply with the left nostril. Repeat the same with left nostril. Practice it for 10 -15 times every day.
Shitali Pranayama:
This is the most refreshing breathing exercise. You need to roll your tongue in an “O” shape and start to inhale through the mouth. Hold your breath and practice Jalandhar bandh. Do exhalation from your nostrils after some time. You can repeat it five to ten times. Shitali Pranayama mitigates pitta and increases Kapha and Vata doshas.
Ujjayi Pranayama:
This type of pranayama is about mimicking the sound the ocean or waves by inhaling from your nostrils and making sound from the throat. Seat in a comfortable position, start inhaling, and exhaling from your mouth. Constrict your throat as if something is chocking, it will create an oceanic sound. Repeat it for ten to fifteen times; you will experience betterment in throat related issues.
Kapalabhati Pranayama:
This type of pranayama is wholly related to deep inhalation and forceful exhalation of air in a yogic position. Air from the lungs is exhaled forcefully, but inhalation is done involuntarily. Kapalbhati Pranayama is liked for improving alertness and concentration. It also strengthens abdominal muscles and helps to burn calories.
Bhastrika Pranayama:
This pranayama is best for increasing the blood circulation in the body. It also activates body channels. For practicing Bhastrika Pranayama, you need to sit in a Padmasana position, keeping your spine straight and eyes close. Inhale deeply with nostrils; fill your lungs with air and then exhale forcefully through nostrils so that your stomach will go deep inside. Bhastrika Pranayama helps a lot in calming your mind. Any asthma patient can practice it to remove inflammation of the throat.
Bhramari Pranayama:
This is the humming bee pranayama that mimics the sound of a bee. Bhramari Pranayama is done by closing your ears with the thumb and eyes with the help of fingers. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly making a buzzing sound like that of a bee. Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama are an increase in concentration and memory improvement.
Anuloma & Viloma Pranayama:
This is alternate breathing exercise. It involves pausing of breathing at regular intervals. It is divided into two stages called as paused inhalation and paused exhalation. You need to lie down in a comfortable position and relax your body and mind. Now inhale for 2 to 3 seconds and pause, then again restart inhalation and pause after 2 seconds. Repeat the process until the lungs feel full of air. Exhale slowly. It is known as Viloma pranayama. Whereas, Anuloma pranayama is breathing nostrils in an alternative way. Both are almost same and help in cleansing of nasal passages.
Sheetkari Pranayama:
This is more like the Shitali Pranayama but with changes in practice. In this pranayama, you have to produce “Sheetkar” sound from the mouth. Inhale air by keeping your tongue behind the teeth. Apply the Jalandhar bandh and hold your breath. Exhale air using the nostrils. This pranayama should be practiced in summer for five to ten times. It will keep your body temperature under control.
Where Can You Learn Pranayama in Best Style?
Pranayama and its eight different forms should be practiced under the guidance of yoga gurus, having years of experience and exposure in the same field. Rishikesh Vinyasa Yoga School is one of the most exceptional yoga teachers training in India. If you could not find a yoga program that provides you full flexibility, comfort, and facilities while then join this yoga school. The institute leaves no stone unturned to give you a life-changing experience at the yoga capital of the world. Follow us on Facebook page, see how we have transformed the lives of many in India and worldwide.