In the eastern tradition of Yoga the practice of controlled breathing is called Pranayama.
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word meaning “extension of the life force”. The word is composed of two Sanskrit words, Prāna, life force, or vital energy, carried by the breath, and “āyāma”, to extend, draw out, restrain, or control. The breath is the carrier of Prana the life force. The practice of Pranayama helps expand life force throughout the body while eliminating negative influences like stress. The increase in life force through the practice quiets the mind and allows for increased energy, more focused concentration and deep meditation.
Go to this link for a more in-depth explanation, Breathing Exercises – Introduction to Pranayama by Yogayak. I’m sure you would rather watch this beautiful young lady talk about Pranayama then read some dull stuff by me.
I practice Pranayama when I am tired or sleepy and need to energize myself and when I need to concentrate. It works better then the energy drinks you can buy at the store, it’s cheaper, and there’s no energy crash later. I’ve tested this myself by practicing Pranayams before I play Lumosity Brain Training. My scores are better and I find that I can focus more intensely for longer periods of time.
Many of my students live fast paced lives and have a tough time quieting down for meditation. I’ve found that the practice of Pranayama prior to meditation facilitates the state of quiet mind necessary for meditation to occur. In my personal practice pranayamic breathing prior to meditation takes me to quiet, alert mind quicker and my meditations tend to be deeper. I do three sets of five minutes using my IPhone app prior to meditation. You can demo the app at Saagara Health Apps. My son tells me that everybody doesn’t have that kind of time so even one set of five minutes will help achieve quiet mind.
Remember there is a definite difference between the breathing techniques of Pranayama and using the breath in meditation. Pranayama you control breathing while in meditation the breathe happens and you watch it without trying to control it.
Bottom line is this practice can improve your health by increasing breathing capacity and flooding the body with life force. It’s mobile, you can do it anywhere, so you can use it in your life. The way to find out if it works for you is to try it. I’m out!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
i love your blog, i have it in my rss reader and always like new things coming up from it.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!