As per the term Pranayama, prana stands for life. This explains us that the aim of Pranayama is to control our life. It is not jus a breathing exercise but is something more than that.  In ancient times, yogis practices and mastered the technique of pranayama because they were aware of the benefits availed by its practice. After mastering these breath controlling exercises, one also attains internal peace of mind and body.  

Considering that Hatha yoga, Pranayama can per classified as under : -

This Pranayama is know as Sahita kumbhaka. It aims at providing flexibility and power to the body. It also helps in keeping the sense organs of the one who is meditating silent which in turn helps in controlling his desires. 

Surya Bhedi is also a breath controlling exercise in which the practitioner then has to inhale through his right nostril and exhale through his left. It helps in enabling good digestive system. 

The exercise where the breath travels and moves between the heart and nose alone is called Ujjayi Pranayama. It helps in increasing the power of digestion. 

Here a strict control is observed while breathing and its benefits are achieved in the way of silent mind and a good concentration power. 

 It is an exercise which can be performed by experienced yogis as in this stage very strict breathing control is required. These exercises if observed in a correct way lead a person to the stage of almost unconsciousness. This stage is known as Murchha Pranayama. 

In the last phase we observe that the mediator stops his breathing. This is a stage where balanced breathing is achieved. This phase is known as Kewali Pranayama.   

Pranayama is advantageous in many ways. Through controlled breathing it provides a peaceful mind which detaches the body from all tension and worries. It provides refreshment in the mood of the one who practitioner. The release of stress from the mind and the enhancement of creative thinking in the meditator are also few of the important outcomes of pranayamas. 

Pranayama when done along with yogasanas doubles the benefits and highlights the positives achieved by Pranayama.  It also enhances the capacity of human brain so that it can provide concentration on all objects in life. Pranayama teaches the correct breathing techniques to one who practices it. Through a prescribed and perfect breathing exercise, we can clear the impurities in our mind, as proper breathing provides a good amount of oxygen to mind. This in turn helps in keeping the mind in a relaxed state which enhances the functioning of the brain. 

Finally the ultimate practice of pranayama may also be a way to keep oneself detached from the problems of the world. Maintaining a healthy mind that ultimately helps in overall development of a human is achievable through practices of Pranayama.

November 16, 2007