Pranayama
The word pranayama refers to breath exercises. “Prana” means vital force. Vital force refers to the life force existing in all things. It is closely related to the air we breathe but is more subtle than air or oxygen. “Ayama” means control.
Pranayama uses breathing techniques to influence the flow of energy in the energy channels in the body and in turn influences the activities of each and every cell in the body. Most people breathe incorrectly, using only a small part of their lung capacity. This deprives the body of oxygen and pranic energy.
Rhythmic, deep and slow respiration stimulates while at the same time leading the practioner to a calm, content state of mind. This establishes regular breathing patterns and breaks the negative cycle of physical, emotional and mental disruption caused by years of improper breathing.
Breathing is mainly unconscious; however conscious control can be taken at any time, making the breath a bridge between the conscious and the unconscious. Using breath control the practioner can release years of negative unconscious thinking patterns and direct this newly freed energy to more confident, creative and uplifting activities. According to Yoga theory, the breath impacts on a subtle network of energy channels (Nadis) to make these positive changes. These energy channels work on a different energy level than our nervous system, but they roughly correspond if you are to map out both on a human figure. When these subtle energy channels (Nadis)are flowing freely, the corresponding physical network (the nervous system) also works more effectively. The following paragraph is a physiological explanation of how correct breathing practices impacts on our overall state of well being.
The autonomic nervous system is made up of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The SNS is responsible for what is commonly known as the fight or flight response, a heightened state of stress that prepares the body for action by releasing adrenalin and increasing blood flow throughout the body. While other brain areas are involved in this process, the brain stem, which is the oldest part of our brain, is a critical component. The fight or flight adrenal response and increase in blood flow may have played a critical role in our survival in our ancient past but in our current existence it tends to cause us to react to minor stressors in a way that negatively impacts on our general well being, doing more harm than good. The PNS which balances the heightened state caused by the SNS is intricately connected to the biological mechanisms of breathing. Studies show that breathing can regulate the activity of this system. By utilizing the breath to relax the body through its influence of the PNS we are able to, among other things, decrease stress and increase the movement of food through our digestive system. This, results in improved distribution of nutrients throughout the body which in turn decreases toxin build up in the digestive system and optimizes the ability of all organs to do their work.
Although Shakti Yoga students are very lucky to live in St. John’s which has some of the cleanest air in the world, detoxification is still an issue. We breathe in car exhaust, pesticides, chemicals from carpets and furniture finishes, etc. Additionally, many of our foods come in processed forms, often containing preservatives, hormones, dyes and other artificial agents. To combat these environmental stressors we can use pranayama to aid our body in releasing toxins both through the lungs as we breathe deeply and by optimizing the performance of the digestive system and all of the other organs that play a role in toxin removal.
While this explanation of the benefits of pranayama spends a lot of time on a very physical level, Pranayama is a subtle energy force that transcends the physical even as it impacts on our physical being. Pranayama brings us in contact with the vital life force that is the essence of us all and connects us to one another and the world around us.