Pranayama - Harnessing the Power of Breath in Yoga

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What is Pranayama in yoga?

Pranayama is described in Hindu texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Later in Hatha yoga texts, it meant the complete suspension of breathing. The pranayama practices in modern yoga as exercise are unlike those of the Hatha yoga tradition. Prāṇāyāma ( Devanagari: प्राणायाम prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit compound.

What is prana in yoga?

According to yoga, prana is the life energy that separates the living from the dead. The subtle life force energy, also known as chi, flows through subtle energy channels called 'nadis' and energy centers called 'chakras.' Our body needs prana for both our physical and subtle layers of existence. Without prana, our body cannot survive.

What does pranayama mean in Sanskrit?

In Sanskrit, “prana” means life energy and “yama” means control. The practice of pranayama involves breathing exercises and patterns. You purposely inhale, exhale, and hold your breath in a specific sequence. In yoga, pranayama is used with other practices like physical postures (asanas) and meditation (dhyana).

What is Pranayama & how does it work?

With either translation, you arrive at the same concept: Pranayama is a practice that involves the management or control of the breath. As implied by the literal translation of the term, yogis believe that this practice not only rejuvenates the body but actually extends life itself.

What does pranayama mean?

The term is derived from several Sanskrit roots; prana meaning “vital life force,” yama meaning “control'' and ayama meaning “extension” or “expansion.” The breath is symbolic of prana, and pranayama can be understood as methods to extend and expand vital life force energy through the deliberate control of respiration.

Is Pranayama a science?

Pranayama is regarded as a science. It’s believed that you can control the power of your mind through regulating your breath. The word pranayama comes from two separate words: prana and ayama. Prana translates to breath, while ayama has many different meanings including expansion, length, and rising.

What Is Pranayama

1. https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/beginners/how-to/pranayama/
2. https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/4990/pranayama
3. https://www.yogabasics.com/practice/pranayama/
4. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/pranayama
5. https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga/pranayama/what-is-pranayama-types-techniques
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pranayama
7. https://www.theyoganomads.com/pranayama-breathing/
8. https://www.healthline.com/health/pranayama-benefits

Pranayama Information

1. https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-pranayama