Pranayama
Pranayama is the technique of breath control which helps us connect our mind and body and clear emotional and physical challenges. Prana translates to breath, respiration, vitality. Ayama translates to length, expansion or restraint, therefore Pranayama practice is literally the expression of our breath extension and its control.
All life revolves around breath. Without breath, there is no life. The primary purpose of breathing is for our lungs to draw in oxygen and to expel carbon dioxide. This occurs through the contraction of the diaphragm and the muscles in and around the ribcage to move the lungs. Stress, tension and anxiety cause our breath to shorten and quicken in pace. The yogi believes that our lives and not measured by the days we walk this earth before death, rather the number of breaths we take. Pranayama is various techniques that we can incorporate into our daily yoga practice to strengthen these muscles, clear energy, calm our minds and regulate our breathing. By learning to control our breath we invoke a relaxation response in our bodies.
There are a number of different pranayama techniques for breath control all for different purposes including Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath). This technique is practiced with fast paced breaths and strong abdominal contractions and is used to energise and strengthen our bodies whilst expelling toxins. Sama Vritta (Equal Breathing) is a slow paced breath where inhalation and exhalations are equal in length. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) where we use our fingers to alternate closing one nostril whilst we inhale and exhale with a slow rhythmic pattern.
As noted in Light on Yoga, B.K.S Iyengar, ‘It has been said by Kariba Ekken, a seventeenth – century mystic, If you would foster a calm spirit, first regulate your breathing; for when that is under control, the heart will be at peace; but when breathing is spasmodic, then it will be troubled. Therefore, before attempting anything, first regulate your breathing on which your temper will be softened, your spirit calmed.’
Perhaps the simplest technique that we can practice of Pranayama is to first be aware of our own breath.