YOGA AND PRANAYAMA: A COMPLETE WELLNESS PACKAGE FOR LIFE

YOGA AND PRANAYAMA

let’s see how yoga and pranayama can be complete wellness package for life

YOGA

Yoga is an ancient practice with different poses along with breathing patterns

People who practice yoga use asanas to free energies and stimulate an imbalanced chakra

yoga is a system to foster well being on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels

yoga emphasizes the value of mindfulness, moderation, discipline and perseverence

One of my earlier blogs mentions the importance of surya namaskar. along with it are other asanas namely vrikshasana, bhujangasana, dhanurasana, sethu bandhasana to name a few

https://reflectwithsmitha.com/surya-namaskar-with-mantras-holistic-yoga-for-good-health

i would really thank baba ramdev from the bottom of my heart and bless him for spreading awareness about yoga and natural therapies which was much prevalent before but he bought about an awareness among people to the maximum extent

BENEFITS OF YOGA

1. Builds muscle strength

2. Enhances flexibility

3. better breathing

4. good heart health

5. enhances overall well being and quality of life

6. reduces stress and anxiety

7. improves autonomic functions by suppressing sympathetic activity

8. gives us a chance to connect with our body, mind and spirit

9. various styles of yoga combine physical posture, breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation

YOGA IS FOLLOWED BY PRANAYAMA TO GET FULL BENEFITS

PRANAYAMA

Pranayama is the yogic package of focusing on control of breath.

in sanskrit, prana means vital life force and yama means to take control

it is a means to uplift your prana shakti or life energies

there are 5 types of prana. out of which 2 are pRANA and aPANA which are the most important.

prana is Upward flowing and apana is Downward flowing

pranayama has three phases namely

inhalation / puraka

retention / kumbhaka

exhalation / rechaka

popular pranayamas are

1. bhastrika pranayama:

forceful inhalation and exhalation through stomach. it is used to boost energy

2. kapalbhati pranayama:

its the most famous pranayama. sudden jerk of exhalation with belly movement.

helps rejuvenation and regeneration and detoxification of cells

3. anulom vilom / nadi shodan pranayama:

alternate nostril breathing, centers your mind by joining the left and the right side of your brain

You Can Do Anulom Vilom Pranayam while You Are sitting and Reading Or Watching Television. it helps Reduce Your Breathing Speed And Bringing Awareness To The Present Moment, Of The Precious Air That Goes In And Out

4. bhraamari pranayama:

making humming sound while exhalation through closed mouth.

calms the mind and controls racing thoughts

5. and then followed by OM meditation

BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA

1. Improves auditory, sensory and motor skills

2. improves lung capacity

3. increases mindfulness

4. lowers stress and aggression among students

5. lowers anxiety levels and negative feelings

POINTS TO rEMEMBER

consistency and Persistency is the key. You have to diligently do it daily. even if it is for little time, you have to take that extra effort to go ahead and do it.

PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN

Even though yoga and pranayama are easier to follow and practice by any common person but still consulting a physician would be better if you are suffering from any physical ailment

that’s all for now friends.

hope you found this blog informative and that’s my mission

until next time, keep smiling

this is your sincere friend smitha signing off

much love…stay happy…stay blessed…ALWAYS