Health Benefits of Pranayama

Now let us have an idea of Pranayama. Pranayama is nothing but a Yogic breathing technique that improves your mind and body through a process of cleansing. In the earlier period the yogis used to practice Pranayama as they felt the need of pure oxygen in the body. They also knew how the balance of the body is maintained through the process of perfect breathing. Through the practice of Pranayama they learnt how to control breathing in a proper style. Pranayama is a part of Yoga and you may get the health benefits of Yoga through the proper practice of Pranayama.

Starting Pranayama for good body and mind
In general it is noted that people do not know how to breathe properly. As a result they feel tiredness with in a short while and beckon many problems. Actually Pranayama is the perfect breathing technique. If you do it properly your need of oxygen in the body is met and at the same time the toxins and carbon-di-oxide are cleansed. As a result of the through cleansing the body gets luster and the life force is invigorated.

Why do we need fresh oxygen?

We are in great need of fresh oxygen primarily for-

1. Proper assimilation of food

2. Rejuvenating the endocrine glands

3. Energizing the functions of brain, heart, nerves and different other organs.

4. Distributing the vital force throughout the body.


Unknown Health Issues

Almost all of us do not know how to energize ourselves with the aid of proper breathing. Sometimes we breathe hurriedly, sometimes our breathings are shallow. As a result of improper breathing pattern the Prana or the Vital Energy of our life is totally damaged. This damage acts on other important organs. If we can learn how to control our breathing we can minimize the loss of oxygen and will be able to oust the toxins that damage our vital force. The result of improper breathing also leads to damage of tissues and cells. In this way we fall prey to various serious ailments.

If we can learn the perfect art of breathing we can utilize the assimilation of oxygen in our body 5 times more. In this way we can oust the carbon-di-oxide from our body five times more too. Can we even dream of a miraculous effect that the Pranayama offers to our body?


Basic steps of Pranayama

While you are practicing Pranayama you have learn it quite well three basic things without which you can never get the health benefits of Yoga. The three vital stages of Pranayama are-

• Inhalation (called in Sanskrit Puraka); this is the way how to take enough oxygen with the aid of breathing. If you can inhale enough oxygen your body can be stimulated.

• Total retention (called in Sanskrit Kumbhaka); this is the way of retaining the oxygen you inhale. With the process the oxygen is absorbed quite well in the body. But keep in mind, as you are a mere beginner you should not practice Kumbhaka. Do it under the supervision of the Yoga guru. It may be prove fatal to you in the initial phase.

• Exhalation (called in Sanskrit Rechaka); this is the process of exhaling. The exhalation can be done through the abdomen or the lungs. It depends on the type of Pranayama you practice.


Some Pranayama to Start with

• Bhastrika

• Kapal Bhati

• Anuloma Biloma

• Ujjayi

• Shitali

• Bhramari

Have a look at this video on pranayama:

How Effective Self Practicing of Yoga?

I think when you are on the Yoga spree you must do it with proper care. Self practicing of Yoga can bring you health benefits too but in the initial phase you may commit some mistakes that, though trivial, may act on your health. Hence if possible take the help from a Yoga guru. But it may be so that the place you live in is far from the urban development and there you find no person who aspires health benefits of Yoga. In this case what will you do?

Follow some websites or books for more information on Yoga
Yes of course you can solve the problem yourself and go all out for the Yoga benefits. There are many Yoga websites in the internet. But it can not be told with sweet ease that all of them are catering authentic Yoga tips. Some of them may mislead you or you can be sandwiched between too many jargons. Now it is hard for you, a beginner, to find out the site that can lead you to your goal. Choose the website that tells you about Yoga without uttering too many Dos and Don'ts. The website that tells about Yoga in a friendly manner quite comprehensibly may offer you pleasure. Too many regulations and rules are sure to bring boredom and frustration.

You may find some books written by eminent Yoga experts. There self practicing is elaborated too. You may go through the books and follow the guide lines. Choose from the book such Yogic asanas and Pranayamas that are absolutely safe. Never opt for the hard ones. If you fail to perform them quite correctly you may bring your own ruin.

Important tips on Self practicing of Yoga
If you are interested to practice Yoga at home the following tips may be of use to you. These tips will help you to coin the health benefits of Yoga without causing any harm to your body and mind. Keep it in mind that Yoga does not mean to build a body. It builds a strong mental set up too. Hence when you start practicing Yoga you must set your mental make up rigid. Absolute determination and total faith are necessary if you try to extract pleasure out of the Yoga practices. The more determined you are the more fruitful results await you.

Start Self practicing Yoga

• Dawn is the ideal time for self practicing Yoga. Keep your bowels clean. There is no problem if you take bath before the very start. After the completion of the practice you can take bath too. But before taking a bath wipe the perspiration from the body first, then relax for about 15 minutes and then go for bathing.

• Don't take heavy meals before starting Yoga. The only thing you can take is water.

• To maintain regular Yoga practice you must choose a particular time whether at dawn or in the evening.

• Never practice Yoga asanas on the bed. Spread a rug on the floor and carry on practice.

• To get the benefit practice yoga for 1 hour or go on for at least half an hour.

• Practice Yoga outdoors provided the weather is fine. Otherwise self practice yoga in a well ventilated room far from any clatter.

Health Benefits of Yoga

Do you feel joy and happiness each day? Are you gradually drawn towards despondency? Actually you live in a busy world hence all the time you are on a hurry. You have to attend your office in time. You have to go through heaps of files; you have to bother for the health of your dear ones. But do you take care of your own health? Do you brood over the matter how can you improve your health? Actually you hardly find any time to take care of your health or find measures how to take proper rest or restful sleep? Yes, you can improve your health if you wish; simply with the aid of some Yoga exercises. Gradually you are sure to be aware of the health benefits of yoga. You come to know in course of time how some simple Yogic exercises or Pranayama can bring drastic change to your life mentally and physically.

Yoga and life style

As you have to take immense work pressure you are sure to be a victim of stress related problems. Stress leads to heart problems. As you do not take exercise daily or as you have to sit on your chair for about ten hours you fall easy prey to obesity, gastric problems, migraines, insomnia and hypertension. So if you want to dodge the health problems you have to take sojourn in the realm of total serenity. Only regular practice of Yoga makes it possible for you. Only cautious restrain in eating habits and regular practice of Yoga can lead to a life totally free from stress and strain related problems. Try to make out the health benefits of Yoga and carry on Yoga practice. But in the initial time never try to get involved in such poses that seem to you difficult. Try to taste the essence of Yoga in a funny manner.

No worry about health

You need not worry about your health unnecessarily. This worry will solve no problem. You have to think positive and follow every step with a positive outlook. If you practice Yoga regularly you can expect positive results. You can enjoy the spirit of living exploring Yoga to extract health benefits of Yoga.

Brief History of Yoga

The history of Yoga has many uncertainties due to the secretive nature of the Yoga teachings. The early Yoga writings were written on the leaves of palm trees that were destroyed quite easily with the change of time. The actual development of Yoga can easily be traced back to about 5000 years. But according to some new researchers the history of Yoga dates back to 10,000 years. The history of Yoga can be divided into 4 main periods of practice, innovation and development. Since its inception the practitioners of Yoga aspired for the health benefits of Yoga.

Development of Yoga

About 5000 years ago the beginning of Yoga was developed by the Indus Valley civilization in the Northern part of India. In the Rig Veda the term Yoga for the first time was highlighted. In the Vedas all the songs, mantras and different rituals were depicted. All these were followed by the Brahman priests. Gradually Yoga was refined by the sages and the Brahmans who documented their beliefs and practices in the great Upanishads, a huge book containing more than 200 scriptures. The most well known Yogic scripture is the Bhagabad Geeta. The Upanishads followed the ritual sacrifice from the 4 Vedas and tried to internalize it, highlighting the sacrifice of the human ego through different methods, such as quest of self knowledge, practical action (Karma Yoga) and perfect wisdom (Jnana Yoga).

Classical period of Yoga

Before the classical period Yoga was nothing but a mixture of different ideas, techniques and beliefs. All these three contradicted each other. The Classical period of Yoga emerged with the Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali. These sutras are regarded as the systematic presentation of perfect Yoga. The sutras were written in the 2nd century. The text that elaborates the path of Raja Yoga or the ClassicalYoga.Patajali elaborated Yoga into an Eight Limbed Path or the Astanga Yoga. This Yoga contains the steps and different stages of how to obtain Samadhi or total enlightenment. It is Patanjali who is regarded as the father of Yogic Kriyas and his famous Yoga Sutras still influence the modern Yoga.

What happened next?

After the demise of Patanjali there emerged a group of Yoga teachers who implemented a new system of practices with the aim of rejuvenating the body and aspiring long life span along with the health benefits of Yoga. They turned down the teachings of the Vedas and took for granted the physical body as the mean of enlightenment. They implemented the Tantra Yoga to cleanse the body and mind to break the shackles that bind human beings to their physical existence. The exploration of such spiritual-physical relationships and body oriented practices led to the creation of such Yoga that is prevalent in the West as Hatha Yoga.

Modern Yoga

In the early 1900s the Yoga teachers started traveling the western countries attracting the followers. In this connection we may with humble reverence highlight the Parliament of Religion held in Chicago in the year 1893 where Swami Vivekananda won the hearts of the audience with his Yoga lectures and universal religion. During the 30s Hatha Yoga was successfully promoted in India by eminent Yoga gurus like Swami Shivananda and T. Krishnamacharya and others to find out the health benefits of Yoga. In 1924 Krishnamacharya opened the first Yoga school in Mysore and in 1936 Swami Shivananda founded holy Divine Life Society. Three students of Krisnamacharya continued his legacy after his demise and made hath Yoga Popular. Shivananda, a prolific author, wrote about 200 books on different Yoga and set up nine Ashrams and numerous Yoga centers in every corner of the world. In 1947 Indra Devi opened a Yoga center in Hollywood. Since that time many Indian and western Yoga gurus are trying hard to popularize Yoga. Hatha Yoga at this very period has different centers those are trying to highlight on different aspects of Yoga practice.

Watch this video of Baba Ramdev. It is about how to lose weight quickly in scientific way-

Perfect Evaluation of Yoga

A century ago Yoga was a matter of ridicule almost at every corner of the globe. In 1897 The Strand Magazine published the "fearful and wonderful contortions" of the total body by an unknown yogi at the Westminster Aquarium in London. In sheer contrast the votaries of the Yoga include eminent figures of the film world, world of entertainment and from every sphere of the society. There is no dictionary found today where the term Yoga is not explained. Yoga has charmed the people of the West and it seems in US today there are more practitioners of Yoga alone than in India where it originated. The westerners are trying hard to solve the mystery, the health benefits of Yoga.

Right now Yoga practice for you
Right at this moment Yoga has become so popular that there is seen a sudden rise in the number of Yoga gurus, schools and followers. The effect of the sudden upsurge is not bad. As a result of such a Yoga revolt there emerge dedicated teachers and quality researchers. But on the opposite side there are many who are trying to bring infamy to the field being goaded by the love of money. These money seekers can not offer proof of their quality but they are misleading the people who want to taste the essence of Yoga in the true sense.

Abuse of Yoga
Some eminent personalities tried to diminish the power of Yoga by describing it as acrobatic postures and unnatural cleansing. Though they had gone through many ancient books where Yogic works described the physiological effects of Yoga nicely they tried to undermine Yoga. Yogic practice refers to light and slim body, pleasing face, sweet voice, freedom from all sorts of ailments. The great men had clear perception of the pros and cons of the physiology of Yoga yet they tried their best to underestimate the health benefits of Yoga.

Plenty of Books and websites on Yoga
At this moment no one dares to speak ill of Yoga as there are plenty of books written on Yoga elaborating its effects on the human health. Great writers like Vithaldas, Funderburk and Behanan speak highly of Yoga and Yoga therapies. There are spates of books on Yoga. Even there are special ones with special foci such as “Yoga for Beauty", "Yoga For Sex",” Yoga for healthy living", "Yoga for executives" and so on. There are many do-it-yourself books too in the market. Yoga books are being published daily in the West. Besides, there are so many websites on Yoga that are ready to highlight in details the health benefits of Yoga. Some of them are really helpful to the beginners or the Yoga learners. But maximum numbers of them are mere gimmicks, endless effort to mislead the viewers.

Fervent appeal of Yoga
Hence it is fervently appealed to the viewers not to have firm belief on every thing about Yoga in a blind manner. Take a plunge into the matter and try to find out the truth underneath. Yoga is absolutely a boon for your health but if wrongly directed you can near the catastrophe in no time.

Watch this video:

Basics of Yoga

Today I assume there is no such man who has not heard the term YOGA. In every corner of the globe the practice of yoga is going on in full swing. But it is absolutely true that very few people are aware of it quite confidently. Actually everyone opts for it without peering into the matter quite comprehensibly.

What is Yoga?
Yoga is a method of total fitness, vogue in India since time immemorial. In the past the sages practiced yoga to keep their health fit. Not only that, the practice of yoga leads one to tranquil spirituality. We now read of super men and women in comics who possess miraculous power. But if we go through the ancient scripts of India we come to know of such great saints and sages even ordinary men and women who actually possessed enough power. With the power of yoga they could do whatever they liked. We shall throw light on the issue later on. Initially let me tell you something about the branches of yoga. Precisely yoga has nine branches such as-

• Jnana
• Karma
• Bhakti
• Yantra
• Raja
• Kundalini
• Tantra
• Mantra
• Hatha

Main branches of Yoga
Today those who care for yoga never follow the nine branches. They follow actually the Hatha Yoga the practice of which brings good health and mind. In Hatha Yoga there are several kinds of exercises named Asanas (postures), Mudras (gestures), Pranayama (controlling of energy) and Bandhas (tuning of muscle forces). There is clear indication of deep breathing too in the Yoga system. If one carries on the practice of the five principles one can enjoy a disease free health showered with the grace of mental equilibrium.

Health benefits of Yoga
If you can practice yoga regularly you can experience yourself lots of health benefits. The structure of your body is sure to be improved, total blood circulation is improved all over the body, the muscles are strengthened, flexibility is increased, body is detoxified and above all the heart and lung functions are improved. Even the practice of yoga can relieve stress, anxiety and all sorts of body pains. Today’s world is packed with different problems that have negative effects on your mind and soul. Proper practice of yoga on a regular basis can make you free from all sorts of negative effects of all kinds.

Time schedule for Yoga practice
Yoga helps you to approach life quite boldly in a relaxed manner. Perfect practice of yoga makes you more energized. Half an hour's practice can totally rejuvenate you and in the time when you are ready to retire at night you are filled with new vitality and new vibrancy. Practice of yoga makes you punctual and mindful to your duties. An inner urge comes within your soul and you move forward with strong determination. As per your daily schedule you can practice yoga for an hour or just for 40 minutes. How long you do it is not worthy of mention, how you proceed with the techniques is the vital thing. Hence if you practice yoga yourself, do it minutely or take the help of a Guru to guide you properly.

Yoga Rules to follow
Before you start yoga you have to vow that you will all the time abide by the rules and regulations associated with yoga practices. Take yoga exercises daily at a scheduled time whether in the morning or at night. To coin the advantages of yoga you have to maintain a daily routine. Right now you can buy many videos, books, audio tapes and DVDs or CDs. With the aid of those materials you can practice yoga as per the instructions. Keep it in mind that whatever you do , do perfectly and in a relaxed manner. Never hurry, hurry may bring unwanted effects.

The perfect place to practice Yoga
The place where you practice yoga or breathing exercises must be serene, airy and lighted with the rays of the sun. You must avoid stuffy places for the yoga practice. Total concentration is essential for yogic exercises. Hence avoid such places where there is a clatter all the while.

Final tips for perfect Yoga practice
Finally it can be told with humbleness that if you want to practice yoga from videos or books, try to follow the instructions minutely. If you lack in confidence you may take help from a Guru who can teach you all the lessons step by step. Never make hurry in doing all the Asanas or Pranayama at a time. Hurry may lead to catastrophe. Carry on practicing yoga step by step, in a gradual process. Always remember you can not regain your lost health overnight. So have patience and go slow to achieve permanent outcome.