What does Pranayama Mean?

The word Pranayama is a combination of two Sanskrit words: ‘Prana’ meaning life force ‘Ayama’ meaning to restrain or to draw out The combined form – Pranayama – is roughly translated as breath control. It is a practice in yoga that involves the regulation of your breathing through specific techniques and exercise. The purpose is to relax the mind and body through a combination of inhaling, exhaling, and retaining of breath.

What are the Benefits of Pranayama?

Practising Pranayama is beneficial for a number of reasons:

• Focusing on your breathing helps in managing stress.
• Improves blood circulation
• Helps with a number of medical ailments such as anxiety, depression, hypertension, headaches, and gastric problems.
• Some research suggests that it can help with improved cardiovascular function.
• Provides deep relaxation for the mind and body.
• Increases respiratory function

Things to keep in mind before practising Pranayama

Though most forms of yoga are safe to practice across the board, it is advised that people who want to practice different Pranayamas should at least have some prior experience doing yoga. And it is best if Pranayama is practised under the supervision of a teacher. Certain breathing exercises are not advised for the following people;

• Those who suffer from hypertension or low blood pressure
• Those recovering from a recent heart attack
• Those with chronic heart conditions
• Pregnant women
• Those with bronchitis or severe breathing issues
• It is best to be checked out by a professional practitioner before you begin your Pranayama journey.