Pranayama – the Fourth of the Eight Limbs of Yoga
29 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
Pranayama is the fourth limb of Ashtanga Yoga and is the technique used to measure, control and direct the breath of the yoga practitioner. It is the breathing exercise that promotes proper breathing and aims to restore and maintain health, controls the energy within us and provides more oxygen supply to the body.
In Sanskrit, the word prana means “life force” or “life energy” and ayama means “suspend” or “restrain”. It is often translated as control of the life force. Breath control is a practice of cleansing the mind and body. In order for Pranayama to be practiced appropriately, it should be practiced with proper preparation and guidance from the yoga teacher.
The following summarizes the benefits of Pranayama:
- Reduces toxins and removes wastes from our body.
- Improves metabolism
- Develops and improves concentration and focus.
- It banishes stress and relaxes the body allowing peace of mind
- Allows clear functioning of the mind, helping to avoid arguments and wrong decisions.
- Leads to spiritual journey through a relaxed body and mind.
See the following link for more information on pranayama http://yoga.iloveindia.com/limbs-of-yoga/pranayama.html
On a personal note, I used pranayama to help me go through child birth calmly and control the pain for both our kids. I could not have delivered without it and truly game me a positive and peaceful birthing experience.
Take a deep and slow breath in…….and now exhale all the air from your lungs. Do it one more time – this time with your eyes closed. Take a nice long breath in…..now, a nice long exhale. May you find peace, breath and happiness in your day today!
~Sasha
