Sanskrit Explained: Pranayama

Pranayama [ pruh-nuh-yuh-muh ] = breath control; breath extension

prana = vital life force; breath

yama = control; regulation

Pranayama is the practice of harnessing the breath to free up the flow of prana (life force) in your body.

"When the practices of pranayama are done successfully, the darknesses of affliction, ignorance, conditioning, karmas and samkaras is removed, revealing the light of clarity."

Yoga Sutra 2.52

There are four parts to the breath:

1. Inhalation (puraka)

2. Internal retention (antara-khumbaka)

3. Exhalation (rechaka)

4. External retention (bahya-khumbaka)

Why practice pranayama?

• effective tool for managing stress

• lowers heart rate

• a practice of mindfulness

• increases lung capacity

• increases oxygen to brain

• boosts energy and mental clarity

Some common pranayama techniques you may have practiced are:

nadi shodhana | alternate nostril breathing

ujjayi | victorious breath; ocean breath

sama vritti | box breathing

viloma pranayama | interrupted breath

We'll be breaking each of these (and more) down on the platform - stay tuned!

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