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Pranayama is a range of breathing exercises used in yoga, with some simple enough to be practiced alone. Advanced techniques can be dangerous and should only be done under supervision. Proponents claim it benefits the body and mind.
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word which is translated as “breath control” or “life force control”. It refers to a range of simple to complex breathing exercises that are designed to be part of the practice of yoga, a physical and spiritual discipline that has been practiced in India for thousands of years. Many yoga classes around the world feature some aspect of pranayama, depending on the philosophy of the class and the skill level of the students.
It is extremely important to remember that advanced pranayama techniques can be dangerous, especially for people with certain health conditions. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that pranayama be practiced only under the supervision of a guru or experienced yogi, and medical conditions and problems should be clearly communicated beforehand. You may also want to discuss pranayama with your doctor, who can talk about which pranayama techniques will be safe for you.
In its simplest form, pranayama consists of paying attention to your breathing. Without breathing, we cannot live and many yogis believe that mindful breathing is a very important part of their practice. Regular deep breathing also helps people move into yoga stretches and poses, and can help people focus as they meditate or attempt to focus on holding a pose. Being aware of your breath is also a good way to stay in touch with your body, according to some practitioners.
As yoga students advance, they learn about different types of pranayama breathing, all thought to be helpful in some way. Some breaths, for example, are meant to cleanse the body of toxins, while others are supposed to stimulate the flow of the life force of prana through the body, benefiting the skeletal, muscular and organ systems. Pranayama is also an important part of meditation.
People can practice pranayama as part of a physical yoga session or as part of their meditation techniques, but pranayama can also be practiced on its own. For example, some people like to perform different breathing techniques when they get up in the morning to energize their bodies and prepare for the day ahead. Others find that a few minutes of pranayama can be helpful throughout the day, helping them focus on various tasks without neglecting their bodies.
Proponents of pranayama make a number of claims about its benefits. It certainly helps oxygenate the body, and some people find that regular breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga help reduce tension and stress. People also believe that it stimulates the immune and digestive systems, and that pranayama can help the body and mind function more smoothly.
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