What are the General Guidelines and Benefits of Pranayama in Malayalam
• Pranayama is the fourth limb of the Ashtanga yoga practice.
• ‘Prana’ means Jeeva - shakthi (breath or life force or Energy, and
‘ayama’ means control.
• The practice of breath control in yoga.
• A distinct breathing exercise / a systematic exercise of respiration.
• Usually practiced after asanas and before Meditation.
Mahaprana / Pancha Prana in the body
1. Prana:
- From throat to heart
2. Udana:
- Throat upwards
3. Samana:
- In between heart and Umblical (Naabhi)
4. Apana:
- Umblical (Naabhi) to toes.
5. Vyana:
- Energy in entire body and its cells.
Steps or Stages of Breathing
a. pūraka (to take the breath inside / Inhalation),
b. Abhyantara kumbhak (to retain it), and
c. rechaka (to discharge it) / Exhaltion
d. Bahya Kumbhaka. - Retention/ Empty
General Guidelines
1. Selection of place
2. Clothes
3. Sitting posture
4. Yoga mat
5. Time of the day
6. Preferable time
7. Chant of ‘Aum’ Mantra
8. After Yoga asana and before meditation
9. Mudra - Nasagra Mudra
10. Close eyes
11. Breathing
12. Others
Others
 No age limit
 Breath by nose
 Beginners - 3-5 minutes
 If any tiredness stop immediately and take rest
 Do not drink water during practice
 Should not practice in barefoot
 Positive think
 After Pranayama - Normal Breathing - in Open Place / environment
Type of Pranayama
1. Nadi Shodhan
2. Bhastrika
3. Kapalbhati
4. Bahya Pranayama
5. Agnisar
6. Ujjayee
7. Bhramari
8. Udgeeth
9. Surya-bedhana
10. Viloma
11. Anuloma
12. Anulom Vilom
13. Pratiloma
14. Sitkary
15. Sheetali
16. Murcha
17. Plavini
18. Others
Pranayama and its benefits
1. Strong Lung - Increased expansion
2. Improves blood circulation,
3. Control of Breathing Process
4. Habit of deep breathing
5. Healthy long life.
6. Relieve Mental Stress & Tension
7. Increases Concentration of Mind
8. Prevention and control of Resp. and circulatory Disease
9. Others
 Improve respiration, nervous, digestion, endocrine system.
 Brings harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.
 It helps to expands aura, purifies the shatchakra and to awake
kundalini shakti.
Contraindication
1. Pregnant women
2. Hungry persons
3. Fever Patients
4. Asthma, Heart disease , Low & high BP and other medical conditions
5. Emotional disturbances
6. Menstrual Period
Thank You.