Pranayama: Breath Work for All

prana- life force, energy

yama- control, restriction

Lots of influencers are out there in the world breathing a lot. Cold water and deep breathing are having a renaissance online right now. Most people researching and purveying this stuff online do so without the awareness that the Indians figured this out 5,000 years ago. It’s all pranayama.

Pranayama, the practice of breath control in yoga, affects every moment of your life, including during yoga practice. It's been used for centuries to improve physical and mental well-being, and it's a crucial component of any yoga practice. Focusing on a breath practice might seem like a supplementary part of yoga practice, but it’s honestly the only yogic technique I use every single day. Let’s break down the basics of pranayama and its benefits for the body and mind in a way that's not to hippy-dippy or too academic. If I get too nerdy or like I burn sage every morning, hang on. We’ll get there.

It's the fourth limb of Patanjali's eight-limbed path of yoga, and it's considered to be the bridge between the physical practice of asana and the mental practice of meditation. Breath is both controllable and unconscious. So when we take control of the breath and use it in a specific way, we gain access to the emotional and mental experiences associated with the unconscious breath. For example, when we sleep, our respiratory rate decreases unconsciously and our body is able to rest and recover. If we mimic that breathing pattern in our conscious states, we can utilize the benefits physiologically that are associated with rest. Similarly, when we increase physical exertion, our respiratory rate increases in order to supply the body with more energy through gas exchanges in the blood (see: Bohr Effect). So again, if we mimic those breathing patterns of rapid, filling breaths, we can access more energy when we need it.

The practice of pranayama includes different breathing techniques such as inhaling, exhaling, and holding the breath. These techniques are used to regulate the breath and bring balance to the body and mind. The most well-known pranayama technique is the "Ujjayi" breath, which is often referred to as the "victorious breath." It's the breath that makes you sound like Darth Vader, and let's be honest, it's pretty cool. But it's not just about sounding cool, it's about controlling the breath and bringing balance to the body.

One of the main benefits of pranayama is that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It's a powerful tool for calming the mind, and it can help to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. It's also great for your lungs, and it can help to improve respiratory function.

Another great benefit of pranayama is that it can help to improve focus and concentration. By controlling the breath, you're bringing your mind to the present moment, and that's the key to concentration. It's also a great way to improve your ability to meditate, and it can help you to achieve deeper states of meditation.

In conclusion, pranayama is a powerful tool for finding balance and inner peace. It's not just about sounding like Darth Vader, it's about controlling the breath, bringing balance to the body and mind and it's a great way to improve your yoga practice. Remember to take it slow and listen to your body, and don't be afraid to have a little fun with it. Namaste

We miss the truth of the present moment: it is now, and I can find peace here.