Types of Pranayama

Posted on January 8, 2008 in Latest News

Basics

‘Prana’ is an energy or life force that is universal in nature – it is omnipresent. A portion of that prana is also present in the human body. It flows at a superficial level to maintain the body and its organs.

The goal of Pranayama is to increase the quantum of this life force (Prana) so that it can reach out to ‘hidden’ recesses of the brain. This helps in expanding the human faculties and retarding degeneration.

Types

There are several kinds of pranayama recommended at various stages of its mastery and for different purposes. There are technical names for such types in yogic theory. We shall see some basic kinds of pranayama.

Deep Breathing

First, the movements concerned with inhaling and exhaling are to be controlled in order to further slow down the breathing, at the same time the need of oxygen for the body is to be lessened, so that the speed of breathing can further, slowdown. Obviously, while practicing deep breathing, it is necessary to keep the body in the stable and relaxed position. And this is possible in any sitting position of meditation.

Fast Breathing

When the speed of quiet breathing is deliberately reduced, the result is deep breathing; on the contrary, if that speed is willfully increased, then the result is fast breathing. It is expected that one should increase the speed of breathing by inhaling and exhaling fully.

Ujjayi Pranayama

This is associated with high pitch voice, during the practice.

Surya bhedana

This is characterized by inhalation through the surya nadi i.e. right nostril.

Sitkari

This is characterized by production of a special type of sound during the practice.

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