Chapter 7 ~ The Pranayamas

Ever wonder what athletes feel like after a giant victory?
Prana practice can lead you to that experience.
You get there by listening to and feeling your own breath.

Please find on this page many of the Pranayamas developed over time
to stave off or reduce the effect of many infirmities
that befall the human condition.

The breathing practices outlined and detailed below
offer a yoga practice for those wishing to get acquainted with Breathwork.
This Breathwork takes the natural breathing process to a new level
creating the use of dormant mental and physical capabilities not normally available.
Try for yourself to see if they may be of benefit to you.

Breathwork ~ also known as Pranayama ~ The Benefits and audio techniques

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Yogic Deep Breathing The Benefits ~ Brings Clarity and calmness. Increases VO2 by facilitating oxygen transport to the entire body. Creates a storehouse of Prana just as an electric car battery stores energy once it is recharged.

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Nadi Shodhana ~ Alternate Nostril Breathing The Benefits ~ Removes minor blockages, calming and balancing

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Nadi Shodhana Technique 2 Ratio 1-1~ Alternate Nostril Breathing The Benefits ~ Helps with respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. Ensures that the whole body is nourished by an extra supply of oxygen. Carbon dioxide is efficiently expelled and the blood is purified of toxins. The brain centers are stimulated to work nearer to their optimum capacity. Induces tranquility, clarity of thought and concentration. Increases vitality and lowers levels of stress.

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Nadi Shodhana Technique 2 Ratio 1-2
Alternate Nostril Breathing The Benefits ~ Profound relaxation. Heartbeat and pulse rate slow, blood pressure drops.

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Nadi Shodhana with Antar Kumbhaka Technique 3 Stage 5 Ratio 1:4:2 ~ Alternate Nostril Breathing with inner breath retention The Benefits ~ Profound psychological effects in preparation for meditation. Not suitable for women in the later half of pregnancy. Not recommended for persons with heart problems, high blood pressure, emphysema or any major disorders.

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Sheetali Pranayama The Benefits ~ Cools the body and reduces mental and emotional excitation. Induces muscular relaxation, mental tranquility and may be used as a tranquilizer before sleep. Gives control over hunger, thirst and generates a feeling of satisfaction. Mitigates hyper acidity in the digestive tract.
Contraindication: People suffering from low blood pressure or respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis and excessive mucous should not practice this pranayama. Those with heart disease should practice without breath retention. Also if you have chronic constipation , you should avoid this pranayama.

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Sheetkari Pranayama The Benefits ~ Has the potential to reduce of blood pressure (BP) through a combination of stress reduction and modification of the physiology of the autonomic nervous system. Pranayama is the art of prolongation and control of breath and helps bring conscious awareness to breathing patterns.

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Bhramari Pranayama Relieves stress and cerebral tension. Alieviates anger, anxiety, insomnia, Improves voice. Creates a soothing effect on the mind

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Ujjayi Pranayama The Benefits ~ Tranquillizer and heating effect. Relieves insomnia. Slows down heart rate and helps with high blood pressure.

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Bhastrika Pranayama Burns up/ flushes out toxins. Helpful during labor. Stimulates metabolic rate. Produces heat, tones the digestive system. reduces carbon dioxide in the lungs, alleviates throat inflammation. Good preparation for meditation. Note: Should not be practiced by those with high blood pressure

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Kapalbhati Pranayama The Benefits ~ Cleanses the lungs. Tones digestive system, balances the nervous system. Removes sleepiness. Note: Should not be practiced by those with high blood pressure, heart disease, vertigo, stoke, hernia or gastric ulcer. Not recommended during pregnancy.

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Moorchha Pranayama The Benefits ~ Excellent preparation for meditation. Cuts distractions from the outside world. Alleviates tension, anxiety, anger and neuroses. Note: Should not be practiced by those with high blood pressure, heart disease, epilepsy, brain disorders Discontinue if fainting sensations are felt. Swooning not unconsciousness.

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Surya Bheda Pranayama The Benefits ~ Creates heat and counteracts imbalances. Alleviates depression and increases extroversion. Recommended if you are lethargic. Note: Should not be practiced by those with heart disease, epilepsy, hyperthyroid, anxiety, acidity or peptic ulcer.

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Become a pranalogist!
Learn and practice all of the Pranayamas listed above and share the benefits to those in need. For personal training contact ~ Doug Hayward either by email at dwhnano@gmail.com or by phone at 610-780-9821. We recommend a minimum of 60 hours supervised practice. ***