Breathing or Pranayama is basic for sustaining life in all types of
beings. It is the fourth of the total eight aspects
of ashtaanga yoga. Prana is the pulsation of the vital body
and yama is the prolongation of
breath through regulation. Pranayama is the process of regulating pulsations
which control breath and other branches of peristalysis in the body. The prana and the apana are two of the five pulsations of the human body which are
responsible for inhalation and exhalation of breath. These influence the
nerves, which in turn influence the muscles of the lungs and the heart. They
cause respiration, heart beat and blood circulation. Everyone breathes
rhythmically without being aware of the rhythm. Pranayam enables mind to go
into a state of thoughtlessness and get released from stress and related ailments
resulting in bliss. One should become aware of the rhythm of breathing and minimise
breath losses to enhance healthy longevity. Pranayam techniques stimulate and
increase the vital energy. Pranic channels or naadis of the Pranayam kosha (body
of bioenergy) also get stimulated and purified leading to physical and mental
stability. There is also Kumbhak,
breath retention which brings about control of the prana and eventually mastery of the mind. In the process of oxidation, sufficient
intake of oxygen results in increased memory and prevention of paralysis and
weakness. Pranayama is done in two types of mudras
or postures. In Pranava mudra, all fingers of one hand are put on the tip
of the nose and in Omkara mudra only
the thumb is held on the right nostril and the little finger on the left. Though
there are numerous types of Pranayams, basic ten which are sufficient for
practitioners are: Chandra Bhedi, Surya Bhedi, Ujjai, Naadi Shodhan, Baahya
Kumbhak, Kapaal Bhaati, Bhastrika, Seethali, Seeeetkaari and Bhramari.