Pranayama is a set of breathing techniques, each designed to increase and mindfully circulate the flow of energy/vitality within the body and mind.
The breath is a fundamental part of any asana practice, but also a practice on its own. It is the fourth limb in Patanjali’s ashtanga system, the eight-limbed path to yoga. Pranayama is often defined as "control of the breath" or 'control of the life force' due to its Sanskrit root: prana, meaning life force and yama meaning control. It also contains the Sanskrit word ayama which means “expansion” or “extension”. I personally define pranayama as the expansion of the breath and, as such, the expansion of our life force. At the beginning of my journey with pranayama the word control helped me grasp what I was attempting to achieve; yet, the more I gently bring my awareness to my breath, the more I feel and connect with myself and realise that it is less about control and more about experiencing another layer of my being. Breathing with intention not only benefits our physical body, it also impacts our overall well-being.
Improved lung capacity.
Efficient oxygenation.
Expulsion of toxins and waste products.
Healthy and optimum functioning of the different systems which make up our organism.
Reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Induces relaxation.
Heightened awareness and mental clarity.
Strengthening of the breathing apparatus.
In many languages, to take a breath in also translates to "take the spirit in" - inspiration in French, inspiración in Spanish, inspiração in Portuguese. Also, the origin of the word spirit in Latin is "breath of God" and "animating or vital principle in man and animals." The Portuguese believe that a child invites his spirit in with his first breath and that we release it with our last. I love that image, it speaks to me; life is a continuous rhythm of inhaling and exhaling, of finding balance between what to take in and what to let go of in order to create the most harmonious human experience as possible.
I practice various types of breathing techniques every morning, as part of my morning routine, outside my asana practice as a way to centre myself and wake up my body and mind. I consider pranayama the most delicious and nutritious breakfast :), leaving me feeling light, energized and radiant. It is also a great tool to induce a meditative state.
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