Pranayamas for daily practice
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word. It is composed by two words and there is a discussion about its actual meaning. While "prana", the first word, means vital energy, the debate is about the second word. If the word is "yama", which means control, the meaning of the word Pranayama would be control of the vital energy, or control of the breath. But if the second word is "ayama", which means expansion, the meaning of Pranayama would be Expansion of the vital force. According to the implications and benefits of the practice of the Pranayama exercises, the later meaning is usually more accepted, although a great control of our breath can greatly help to reach the expansion of our vital force.
Pranayamas can be practiced in a daily basis. They will enhance your general health, mood and energy levels. They not only work upon your physical body, but on your own perception about your physical and mental capacities (1).
Read carefully the following instructions, and keep in mind the benefits and contraindications for each one of them. And remember that their effects will be always better if they are practised in environments with a good quality of air and you keep your spine always straight: your head, neck and spine should remain in alignment, throughout the whole practice.
To avoid any detrimental effect it is advisable to start practicing with the help of a qualified yoga instructor. The following instructions do not substitute the face to face guidance from a yoga teacher.
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word. It is composed by two words and there is a discussion about its actual meaning. While "prana", the first word, means vital energy, the debate is about the second word. If the word is "yama", which means control, the meaning of the word Pranayama would be control of the vital energy, or control of the breath. But if the second word is "ayama", which means expansion, the meaning of Pranayama would be Expansion of the vital force. According to the implications and benefits of the practice of the Pranayama exercises, the later meaning is usually more accepted, although a great control of our breath can greatly help to reach the expansion of our vital force.
Pranayamas can be practiced in a daily basis. They will enhance your general health, mood and energy levels. They not only work upon your physical body, but on your own perception about your physical and mental capacities (1).
Read carefully the following instructions, and keep in mind the benefits and contraindications for each one of them. And remember that their effects will be always better if they are practised in environments with a good quality of air and you keep your spine always straight: your head, neck and spine should remain in alignment, throughout the whole practice.
To avoid any detrimental effect it is advisable to start practicing with the help of a qualified yoga instructor. The following instructions do not substitute the face to face guidance from a yoga teacher.
Types of Pranayamas
Heating Pranayamas
They increase the temperature of our body, and our vitality. From an Ayurvedic perspective, they have great effects reducing Vata and Kapha aggravations in our body and mind, since Vata and Kapha have a cold property [Read more...] |
Cooling Pranayamas
As the title says, they have a cooling effect withing our bodies. From an Ayurvedic point of view, they are really good bringing down any aggravation related with Pitta dosha. They will also help you to face the heat during summer [Read more...] |
Balancing Pranayamas
They have a more neutral effect in the Tri Doshas, although they are tremendously important. Their benefits come mainly from the balance in between the heating and cooling energies within our bodies [Read more...] |
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References:
- Lopez, V., Diaz-Paez, A., 1997. Efectos del Hatha Yoga Sobre la Salud, Parte I. Available in http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?pid=S0864-21251998000400012&script=sci_arttext