Pranayama, which is an integral part of yoga, is a practice to become mindful of the breath, which helps improve physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Pranayama is a Sanskrit word made of two Sanskrit words, prana (vital life force) and Ayama (to control or expand). Pranayama helps improve and strengthen the communication between mind and body. It is an excellent way to enhance physical and emotional health. Pranayama breathing techniques are part of the ancient Indian yogic tradition, and it is said that they came into existence, along with yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, around 5000 BC. Yoga, pranayama, and meditation are also part of Ayurvedic practices. They are recorded within ancient texts like Vedas and the yoga sutras, and these texts mention pranayama as a foundational aspect of yoga practice.

Benefits of Pranayama:

• Pranayama helps us to control our minds and our thoughts. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and digestion, promoting healing and rejuvenation.

• Several research studies show that, by practicing pranayama regularly, one can: - Reduce anxiety and depression. - Stabilize blood pressure. - Improve sleep. - Reduce stress. - Increase energy levels and mental focus, as well as performance. - Enhance the capacity of the lungs. I believe that pranayama is a detox for the lungs. It also helps to reduce PTSD and Improve cardiovascular health.

• Enhances cognitive performances. Pranayama helps us to control our minds and our thoughts. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and digestion, promoting healing and rejuvenation.

• Reduces cravings for cigarettes.

• Many studies have documented the beneficial effects of pranayama on COPD and asthma.

There are several pranayama techniques like Nadi Shodhana, Lunar Breathing (Chandra Bhedna) Solar Breathing (Surya Bhedna), Ujjayi, Anulom vilom, Kapalbhati, Bharamri, and many more. All of them have unique benefits for your mind and body.

As a beginner, it is very important that you don’t start performing complex pranayama practices without learning them properly. First and foremost, learn to be mindful about your breath and just learn basic deep breathing techniques. It is advisable to learn pranayama from a qualified practineor or yoga teacher. and it is essential to learn how to do pranayama properly from a professional before performing it on your own. If you are not able to learn pranayama, just taking a few deep breaths from the belly while mentally staying focused on the breath and exhaling will also be highly beneficial.

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