The Anatomy Of Pranayama Yoga

By Brett Burnam


Some people assume or consider Pranayama yoga as a distinct yoga type in itself, unaware of the fact that the phrase is a description of a yoga technique and that Pranayama is an exercise routine in the practice of yoga. In Pranayama yoga, the belief is that breathing is the instrument used to direct body energy. So when the breathing exercise is out of the ordinary, the body similarly will not function in the normal way.

The oxygen requirement of the body organs increases in direct proportion to increased physical activity or mental anxiety. When breathing, the lungs take in a full supply of air and retain the oxygen while exhaling carbon dioxide. Improper breathing will upset the equilibrium between oxygen intake and the release of carbon dioxide.

Normal relaxed breathing is a precondition for normal body functions so yoga exercise emphasizes the ability to control breathing. "Take a breath and count to ten" is a euphemism meaning to chill and not to do anything rashly.

What is funny is that many think that counting to ten refers to time to cool down and regain control, but the point is that the pause is to allow the individual to take a deep breath and take stock of the situation. It makes a person think before acting and to make better decisions over out of control actions done in anger.

Pranayama Yoga is built around a breathing technique that is suppose to improve the well being that can be achieved by the practice of the asana instead of the exercise itself. Proper posture during the yoga allows the lungs to fill to capacity and lets the body receive the oxygen it needs. Having correct breathing function benefits every one of the organs and promotes a vigor to help sustain energy.

The different steps of breathing in yoga must be performed in sequence, that is, an asana must be performed before going to the next stage. Each stage works together in function as a cycle. Breath in. Breathe out. There are four breathing techniques connected with yoga.

The inhaling stage is the Puraka. The second stage is the Kumbhaka which means to hold on to the breath that was inhaled. This is followed by a slow exhaling known as the Rechaka. The final stage is a brief wait after the exhale.

The breathing exercise in Pranayama Yoga is a process of getting rid of the poison in the body for an unimpeded passage of energy throughout and promote the health of the body and mind.




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