Simply Breathing Pranayama Technique: Let’s start with the basics…
The term “pranayama” is comprised of the Sanskrit words “prana” and “ayama.” “Prana” refers to the life force or breath, while “ayama” encompasses the ideas of expansion, length, and extension. As the fourth limb of yoga, pranayama is an essential practice that goes hand in hand with yoga. It is considered a profound science that allows individuals not only to regulate their breath but also to gain mastery over their minds by exploring the connection between breath, body, and mind. Through the disciplined practice of pranayama, individuals can achieve a higher state of self-awareness and inner balance.
We’ve called the pranayama technique in this tutorial ‘simply breathing’ because this is the foundation of the yoga breathing techniques.
It is good to get the lungs working hard, it helps strengthen them and gives them a good clean. We all feel better after exercise. Yes, we want to collapse, but we also have increased levels of oxygen in the blood, we feel as though our brain is refreshed and energised.
When we need oxygen quickly the upper area of our lungs works very hard to provide the blood with the oxygen it requires. However, during this process, we do not utilise the full capacity of our lungs. This is why when individuals try to draw their breath down into their stomachs they find it difficult to relax the muscles enough to let the air in. In yoga, the full capacity of the lungs is utilised. We call this technique diaphragmatic breathing as it encourages many activities:
- Increased levels of oxygen Cleansing of the lungs Strengthening of the lungs.
- The movement of the diaphragm helps to gently massage the organs below Better digestion.
- Improved posture.
- Increased core support during yoga pose transitions Aids in the rebalance of the autonomic nervous.
- system Reducing heart rate and breathing rate.
- Aiding with blood pressure regulation.
By following the video’s guidance, you can enhance not just the health of your lungs and body but also alleviate mental and emotional tension, ultimately boosting your overall well-being.
You can learn more about the effects of this simple breathing technique in Your Body Is Listening (Chapter 8: Putting it into practice)
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