What Is Pranayama And Its Various Types?

Pranayama basically means expansion of the life force energy. You can also say, that it is the expansion of breath. Life force energy, which is also called ‘Prana’ works on the physical as well as the subconscious layers. The ‘Prana’ nourishes the body and mind, and keeps life moving. If you have fresh life force energy circulating through the body, then you will always feel happy and rejuvenated. The Benefits of Pranayama are huge, but only if you know, how to do it.

Going by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Pranayama is the fourth limb of yoga. You have to practice it along with yoga asanas. Both are complementary to one another. Rather, you can also say, that even if you do not do asanas, you have to do Pranayama. It is equal to doing yoga. So, people who see you will often feel that you are not doing anything. However, the act of doing nothing also has huge repercussions. When you learn how to manipulate breathing, then you can also cleanse the body and help it to get a fresh burst of oxygen. In Pranayama, there are three stages. One is inhalation, then there is retention, and finally exhalation. Let us get deeper into the realm.

Is Prana The Same As Breath?

You might feel at this point in time, that Prana and breath are the same thing. Many people actually tend to use these terms interchangeably. However, they are not the same. Prana is the energy that flows through the astral body. It mainly circulates through the nadis, among which the three central ones are Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. It creates an aura around the body. However, if you are not breathing well, the Prana will not be able to circulate properly.

When breath is not flowing in the way, it ought to, several blockages crop up. You will be suffering from stress, anxiety, nervousness, and conflict within yourself. The problems with the body or your very existence first starts from the subconscious level, and then manifests itself in the form of physical symptoms. So, now that you have a fair idea, of what ‘Prana’ is, in reality, it is time to move into the different kinds of Pranayama, which may prove useful for you. In this article, you will also learn about the benefits of Pranayama.