Pranayama Prana is the sum total of all

Pranayama ‘Prana is the sum total of all the energy in the Universe’ Swami Sivananda

Pranayama • Breathing is one of our most vital functions. • One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama (breathing exercise) which promotes proper breathing.

Pranayama • In a Yogic point of view, proper breathing is: A) To bring more Oxygen to the blood and brain. B) To control Prana or the vital life of energy.

Pranayama • Prana: “life force” or “life energy” • Yama: “discipline” or “control” • Thus, Pranayama means “breathing techniques” or “breath control”

Pranayama • Because of daily work, school, family, or other pressures we tend to ignore our breathing. • Thus, it tends to be fast and shallow. By practicing deep breathing through Pranayama, we reenergize our body.

Benefits of Pranayama • Breathing is a normal part of our life, and we pay little attention to it. We do it automatically without having to concentrate on it. • Why then do we have to learn yoga breathing? Here are some reasons why Pranayama is important.

Pranayama Benefits • • • Pranayama teaches us the proper way to breathe- slowly and deeply. It increases the capacity of our lungs, bringing more oxygen supply to the body. Pranayama reduces the toxins and body wastes from within our body.

Pranayama Benefits Continued. . • • • It prevents diseases. Pranayama helps with digestion. Pranayama develops our concentration and focus.

Pranayama Benefits Continued. . • • • It fights stress and relaxes the body. Pranayama offers a better self-control. Pranayama leads to a relaxed body and mind.

4 Types of Pranayama 1. Full Yoga Breath (three part breathing): Belly. Rib – Chest 2. Alternate Nostril (Anuloma Viloma): Breathing sequence through each nostril separately. 3. Abdominal pumping (kapalabhati): A rapid pulsing of the diaphragm in and out with your breath. 4. Ocean Breath (Ujjayi breath): A vocal breath that is done in the back of the throat creating an ocean sound.

Inhale and Exhale Diagram