W2.3 Pranayama

What is Pranayama? “I take refuge in the breath. Breath is all this, whatever there is, and all that ever will be. I take refuge in the breath” Chandogya Upanishad

Definition Pranayama Prana = energy Ayama = control or restraint So pranayama is a technique to control, direct and increase prana

Basic Breathing leads to Pranayama Basic breathing and ujjayiPranayama practices

Characteristics Mostly in and out through the nose Spine upright Eyes usually closed – pratyahara Mudra and bandha used Early morning or after asana

Stages of the Breath Inhalation – Puraka Exhalation – Rechaka Retaining the breath – Kumbhaka Holding after inhalation – Antar Kumbhaka Holding after exhalation – Bahya Kumbhaka

Purpose of Pranayama Remove blockages in the energy body – pranaymaya kosha Purify the Nadis Increase the amount of prana and raise kundalini Final 3 limbs of Raja Yoga – dharana, dhyana and samadhi

Refer to Classic Texts Patanjali’s sutras Hatha Yoga Pradipika Bhagavad Gita Upanishads Light on Yoga The Heart of Yoga Asana, Pranayama, Mudra and Bandha

Breathing Ratios used in Pranayama Four stages of the breath Inhalation Internal retention Exhalation External retention A value is given for each stage, so always four numbers. Normal breathing is 1:0:1:0