Pranayama: The Art of Breathing

"When the breath wanders the mind is also unsteady. But when the breath is calmed, the mind too will be still... therefore one should learn to control the breath."

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Having had some problems with breathlessness before, I've decided to engage in more yogic exercises that will help prepare the lungs for fuller, deeper breathing. Nearly all meditation practices will always come back to focusing the mind on the breath. This type of yoga discipline is called pranayama - coming from the Sanskrit combination of prana "breath" and ayama "restraint". From a physiological perspective, taking full control of the breath allows for greater intake of oxygen into the bloodstream, which in turn leads to better blood circulation around all the limbs and bringing a fresh supply of oxygen to the brain. You can slow down the heart rate and lower the blood pressure, all bodily responses used for downplaying the sympathetic nervous system when we become upset or agitated. From a mental and emotional perspective, controlling the breath can actively help to regulate our emotions (using the James-Lange theory of emotions). And finally, from a yogic perspective, pranayama is considered one of the highest forms of self-purification and self-discipline, encompassing both control of the mind and body.

One very effective pranayama exercise before starting meditation is a practice called Anuloma Viloma. It is alternate breathing between the two nostrils. The main purpose of this exercise is to establish the catabolic-anabolic balance of metabolism in the body. If it is practised with care, it can become extremely beneficial to the practitioner, combating all sorts of illnesses such as high blood pressure, rheumatism, sinus and asthmatic problems. Mentally, it purifies and becalms the mind, renewing optimism and granting the practitioner peace and serenity.

Here's a nice video with Swami Ramdev on the instruction and benefit of anuloma viloma pranayama. Enjoy! OM Shanti