Pranayama: How

The process of respiration is a unique process. It is a process that we engage in involuntary and yet it can be brought under complete control. The control of breath and breathing is the main aim of Pranayama.

When we usually breathe we engage in two stages. We inhale our breath and we exhale. Usually these two stages of breathing take place one after the another in any indeterminate rate. Pranayama seeks to control and regulate this process. Pranayama helps to regulate the rhythm of breathing to suit an individual. The yoga method of breathing also brings in a third stage of breathing called as “retention of breath”. The process of Pranayama helps regulate these three steps of breathing.

The Yogis call air as prana or “vital life force”. When the process of breathing is regulated properly, the latent power ofprana is brought in to play. Hence the process of respiration is much more than just the oxygenation of the blood.

By controlling the respiratory system, a Yogi tries to control the nervous system. The process of establishing control on the respiratory is a slow and arduous one, but once on has established control over the respiratory system, the Yogi starts to control the nervous system too. This process has far reaching effects on the body and the mind. Pranayama purifies the body and also helps enhance the psychological efficiency of the mind. It increases the gastric fire and brings suppleness and brightness upon the practitioner.

The main aim of Pranayama though is the internalization of consciousness that makes super conscious perceptions possible.