Generally, our energy moves from top to bottom. The energy moving downward is called "Adhogami-Energy". This energy, due to its downward nature, is constantly depleted. The practice of Pranayama helps preserve and enhance this energy. Why is Pranayama important for energy? Which Pranayama techniques provide energy to the body? In this article, we will explore this topic.
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Pranayama gives Energy.
Pranayama-practice strengthens the respiratory-system. It enhances the 'Prana-Energy' and clears obstructions in the 'Pranic-channels.' It increases the body's energy and preserves it.
Regular Pranayama is energizing for the body. But it should be done systematically and with some precautions. In the following article, a description of 3 specific pranayama techniques that provide energy will be presented.
What is Pranayama?
Pranayama is an essential part of yoga. It is a breathing practice. Sage Patanjali defined Pranayama as - "restraining the pace of inhalation and exhalation for a certain duration is pranayama." This means the holding of breaths is pranayama, but it should be done according to the capacity.
In Ashtanga Yoga, "Asana" is the third, and "Pranayama" is the fourth stage. Therefore, one should practice Asana first, and after Asana, the practice of Pranayama should be done. Let's understand in detail which Pranayama techniques provide energy.
Energizing Pranayama.
Pranayama is a practice that energizes the body. This article will describe three specific pranayamas. Regular practice of these provides energy to the body.
1. Kapalbhati.
Kapalbhati is an essential practice for purifying the frontal part of the head. Primarily, it affects the brain. This practice impacts the Prana-Energy.
Kapalbhati strengthens respiratory system, benefiting the heart and lungs. It enhances Prana-Energy.
Procedure for Kapalbhati :--
• Sit in Padmasana or Sukhasana. Place both hands on the knees. Keep the spine and neck straight. Close the eyes gently.
• Apply pressure on the abdomen and forcefully exhale, allowing the breath to come out rapidly. Maintain a normal pace while inhaling; focus on the speed of exhaling. Contract the abdomen when exhaling.
• Apply Mula Bandha (contracting the anal muscles) during the practice.
• Perform the practice according to your capacity. At the end, exhale completely, pulling the abdomen towards the back. Bend the neck forward while exhaling. Hold the empty breath for a moment (this is Bahya Kumbhaka).
• Inhale deeply after holding for a while and straighten the neck. Fill the lungs with air. Then, bend the neck forward again and hold the breath full (this is Antarik Kumbhaka).
• Slowly release the breath after holding the Kumbhaka according to your capacity. Normalize the breath. One cycle is completed. Repeat more cycles according to your ability.
Effect of Kapalbhati.
This is a potent practice known as the "purification technique" and is performed for both "cleansing" and "pranayama." It has various effects when practiced :-
• It strengthens respiratory control and removes obstructions in the respiratory system.
• It enhances the strength of the heart and activates the lungs.
• It purifies the forehead region. Regular practice affects the brain.
• Applying Kumbhaka (breath retention) energizes prana upward. It's a crucial pranayama practice for energy.
Precautions.
This practice should be done with caution, considering certain points:
• Beginners should be mindful of their capacity. Start with fewer repetitions and gradually increase the practice. Apply Kumbhaka based on your breath's state.
• Individuals with respiratory or heart conditions should avoid breath retention (Kumbhaka). Begin the practice slowly under proper guidance and with a gentle pace. Consult a healthcare professional.
• If the breath is not steady, Kapalbhati can be performed without Kumbhaka. Beginners can start without breath retention initially.
2. Anulom Vilom Pranayama.
After Kapalbhati, it is essential to practice Anulom-Vilom. This Pranayama balances the effects of Kapalbhati. It is an invigorating pranayama that influences the brain. It is an easy and suitable for everyone.
Procedure for Anulom Vilom.
After Kapalbhati, practice Anulom Vilom pranayama, which is a simple breathing exercise. The technique is very simple.
• Sit in Padmasana, Sukhasana, or any comfortable posture. If sitting on the floor is not comfortable, sit on a chair.
• Keep the spine and neck straight. Place the left hand on the left knee in "Gyana- Mudra" and the right hand near the nostrils in "Pranayama-Mudra". Close the eyes gently.
(Pranayama Mudra :- Fold the index and middle fingers towards the palm, keeping the thumb near the right nostril and the third finger near the left nostril.)
• Close the right nostril with the thumb and inhale slowly through the left nostril. Close the left nostril and exhale through the right nostril.
• After completely exhaling, inhale through the right nostril. Close the right nostril and exhale through the left nostril.
This completes one round. For the next round, inhale through the left nostril and repeat the process. Adjust the repetitions as per your comfort. At the end of pranayama, bring the hand down and normalize the breath.
Effect of Anulom Vilom :--
• It is an invigorating pranayama that impacts the "Chandranadi" and "Suryanadi" energy channels. Both of these channels are energizing.
• It affects the brain, influencing the right and left parts of the brain gradually with regular practice.
Precautions :--
Although this is a simple pranayama, it's important to observe certain precautions :--
• Apply gentle pressure with the thumb or finger while closing the nostril.
• Inhale deeply during the inhalation phase. Exhale completely during the exhalation phase.
• Kumbhaka (breath retention) is not practiced in this pranayama. Inhale through one nostril, and without retaining the breath, exhale through the other nostril.
• Practice according to your comfort and needs.
3. Nadishodhan Pranayama.
This is a pranayama that cleanses the body's 72,000 Energetic Channels. It is a pranayama that enhances and preserves "Prana-Energy".
Its technique is similar to Anulom Vilom, with the key difference being the use of breath retention (kumbhaka) in this pranayama, unlike Anulom Vilom which doesn't involve breath retention.
Procedure for Nadishodhan :--
• Sit in Padmasana, Sukhasana, or any comfortable posture. If sitting with crossed legs is uncomfortable, you can sit on a chair.
• Keep your back and neck straight. Close your eyes gently. Place your left hand in "Gyan Mudra" and your right hand near the nose in "Pranayama Mudra".
• Close the right nostril with your right thumb. Inhale slowly and deeply through the left nostril. After a full inhalation, close the left nostril as well and hold the breath for a moment.
• Exhale slowly and completely through the right nostril. After a full exhalation, inhale again through the right nostril. Close the right nostril after inhaling and hold the breath for a moment.
• After holding the breath for a moment, exhale slowly and completely through the left nostril. After a full exhalation, inhale again through the left nostril. Close the left nostril after inhaling.
• After holding the breath for a moment, exhale slowly and completely through the right nostril. This completes one round. Repeat the process for the next round by inhaling through the right nostril and so on.
• Practice according to your capacity, and regulate your breath calmly.
Effect of Nadishodhan Pranayama :-
This is an essential pranayama in yoga practice, providing numerous benefits through its practice.
1. Purification of Nadis :- The main effect of this pranayama is on "pranic nadis" or energy channels. This practice helps cleanse blockages in the pranic nadis, promoting smooth flow of prana (life force) through them.
2. Increase in Pranic Energy :- By removing obstacles in the pranic nadis, the flow of prana becomes regular. Regular practice of this pranayama leads to an increase in pranic energy.
3. Impact on Respiratory System :- It enhances the respiratory system, making the breathing pattern more robust. It's an excellent pranayama for removing respiratory obstructions and promoting active functioning of the lungs.
4. Strengthening the Heart :- Practicing this pranayama facilitates the supply of prana or oxygen to the body. It maintains an adequate level of oxygen in the body, strengthening the heart.
Precautions for Nadishodhan Pranayama:
• Perform this pranayama according to your respiratory capacity. Use breath retention (kumbhaka) cautiously and in alignment with your capacity. Avoid exerting unnecessary force with your breath.
• Individuals with severe respiratory or heart conditions should avoid practicing this pranayama. Beginners should seek guidance from a healthcare professional or yoga instructor.
• In the initial stages, apply breath retention (kumbhaka) for a short duration. Gradually increase the duration as you become more accustomed to the practice.
Meditation.
After performing all the pranayamas, normalize your breath. Take deep, calming breaths. Release any tension and experience the effects of the Pranayamas.
• Shift your focus in meditation from the breath to the "Aagya Chakra" (the third eye). To do this, center your meditation at the point between your eyebrows. Gaze gently at any revered image or point. Sit in a state of thoughtlessness for a few moments.
• Slowly return from the meditative state. Lie down on your back. Relax in the "Shavasana" pose.
Summary of the Article :--
Pranayamas are essential for energy. The pranayamas discussed in the article are energy-enhancing. They should be practiced regularly based on one's capacity.
Disclaimer :--
This article is not intended for any medical treatment. Its purpose is to provide information about yoga. The pranayamas mentioned in the article are for healthy individuals. Individuals with any medical condition should not perform any yoga practice without consulting their healthcare provider.
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