Prana and Pranayama

In order to explain pranayama, we need to first understand what prana actually is. Prana is the essence of life that permeates both the macrocosmos and the microcosmos. It is the sum total of all energy residing in the universe. It sustains everything from the planets, the magnetic fields to a blade of grass and the running of our computers. It is prana which preserves our body as well as our mind.

Pranayama is made up of two Sanskrit words : prana meaning life force and ayama meaning expansion. By practicing pranayama breathing techniques,  we extend or expand the dimension or capacity of prana and consciously generate a higher, more concentrated prana improving our physical health and directing the prana into specific centers within the brain which can open the doors to higher levels of human consciousness. We are able to connect with our innate happiness, and experience the joy of life. We experience a greater clarity of mind, connect with our innate wisdom and are better able to discern and make the right decisions. Our purpose in life becomes clearer and we find we can lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life, and so much more.

The individual prana within each being is part of the cosmic sea of maha prana which manifests as two forces which in yoga are called ida and pingala, or chitta shakti (the mental force) and prana shakti (the life force). These energies circulate throughout the entire human body via a complex system of nadis (energy pathways). Pranayama techniques use breathing to influence the flow of prana along the nadis and to generate higher levels of prana.

The science of pranayama was developed by ancient highly evolved yogis.They discovered that the breath can be used to access the pranic field and attain balance and stability in the body and control over the mind. It is important to note that pranayama techniques utilize different methods of breathing to purify, regulate, channel and awaken the higher centers of the brain as much scientific research has currently demonstrated.

Why Should You Practice It Regularly?

For the individual practitioner the benefits of regular practice include balancing the physiological systems of the body namely, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and endocrine. It has been scientifically proven that there is an intimate link between the mind, the nervous system and the breath. As one slows down their breath, calms down the mind and one becomes more relaxed. However, pranayama goes further than that; the practice of pranayama can open the doors to spiritual experience.

In yoga there are many pranayama techniques each having a different affect such as balancing, tranquillizing, cooling or heating/vitalizing.

What types of pranayama are there?

The techniques of pranayama focus on the three phases of the natural breath namely inhalation (puraka), exhalation (rechaka) and retention of breath (kumbhaka).

The main pranayama practices that work with the different phases of the breath include;

Ujjayi pranayama (the psychic breath)

‘Ujjayi’ means victorious. Ujjayi is also known as the psychic breath as it leads to very subtle states of mind. Consequently, it has a tranquillizing effect on the mind and may be practiced in any position – standing, sitting or lying down. One imitates the gentle sound of a snoring baby by contracting the glottis at the throat region.

Kapalabhati (frontal brain cleansing breath)

Kapal means cranium and bhati means light and splendor. This pranayama is considered a vitalizing/ energizing pranayama because it reverses one’s natural breathing process through active inhalation and passive exhalation. The effects include increased oxygenation to the brain thereby vitalizing the brain allowing for more subtle perceptions and insights.

Nadi Shodhana (Alternate nostril breathing)

Nadi means a channel and shodhana means purification. Therefore, nadi shodhana purifies the nadis (the energy pathways of prana). This pranayama is considered the most important and potent in the Satyananda System of Yoga.

The flow of breath in each nostril is intimately linked with the opposite hemispheres of the brain. Therefore, with nadi shodhana pranayama one alternates their breathing between the two nostrils thereby influencing ida and pingala nadis and the different hemispheres of the brain by regulating the oscillations of the body/mind network bringing balance and harmony. In other words, the sympathetic nervous system (responding to dangerous and stressful situations) and parasympathetic nervous system,(allowing the body to rest, regenerate and heal) are brought into a balanced state. In today’s world, most people are in the ‘fight or flight mode’, where one is constantly stressed which leads to energy depletion and even illness. So, the regular practice of Nadi Shodhana restores this vital balance.  

Brahmari Pranayama (humming bee breath)

Bhramari is the humming sound similar to that of a bee. The vibrations of bhramari produce a soothing effect on the mind and nervous system. It creates a feeling of inner stillness and clarity. It is a calming and tranquillizing practice that helps alleviate anxiety, stress, cerebral tension, insomnia and anger. In nada yoga bhramari pranayama is used to awaken awareness of the inner psychic sounds.

In the Satyananda System of Yoga, all the above practices are taught in the yoga lesson and can also be found in Swami Niranjanananda’s yogic capsules which are small practical yoga techniques designed for the busy person in today’s world.