Pranoga

Pranayama, the control of Prana (life force or vital energy), has tremendous benefits. The overall benefits derived from a regular practice of Pranayama greatly outweigh those derived from any other form of physical exercise, including Yoga asanas (postures). This is due to the fact that the Pranayama exercises focus on the balancing, strenghtening, and cleansing of the internal organs. The main function is to eliminate excess carbon dioxide from the body and provide a rich supply of oxygen to the blood. Which in turn invigorates the cells and tissues in our bodies. Additionally, a regular practice of Pranayama helps improve focus and concentration, which is required for meditation. The following is a natural progression of Yoga:

Yoga Asanas --> Pranayama --> Meditation --> Samadhi (Self-realization)

Mastering one stage ensures success in the following stage. The above is a condensed list of Ashtanga, the 8 limbs or stages of Yoga, which includes Yamas, Niyamas, Asanas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Yamas and Niyamas deal with proper conduct, and Pratyahara deals with withdrawal of the senses. Dharana and Dhyana make up the meditation portion.

As you will see below, the list of benefits is rather long. The following are the collective benefits of the various exercises that are taught in our Pranayama Course:

Physical Benefits

• Clears and cleanses the nasal passages, lungs and the entire respiratory system.
• Strengthens and improves lung capacity and intercostal muscles (the muscles located right below the rib cage, which aid in breathing).
• Bronchial congestion and spasms are removed; consequently, asthma is relieved and virtually eliminated over time.
• Helps to drain the sinuses and eliminate accumulated mucus. Cleanses both nostrils.
• Helps prevent lungs from being damaged by viruses like the tuberculosis bacilli.
• Draws out a large quantity of carbon dioxide from the body and thus purifies the blood and renews body tissues.
• Tones up the heart and activates the respiratory system, circulatory system as well as the digestive system.
• Massages the stomach, liver, spleen, heart and pancreas.
• Abdominal muscles are strengthened and digestion is improved.
• Helps conserve energy.
• Body shines and sparkles.
• Helps with abdominal ailments.
• Helps with controlling diabetes, heart problems, and Parkinson's disease.
• Useful for gas trouble and constipation.
• Exercises all the internal glands and organs, and improves their capacity.
• Body gets fresh air with regular blood supply.
• Improves immune system.
• Helps with all ailments of lungs.
• The lungs and entire respiratory system are cleansed and strengthened.
• Makes the body light and eyes shiny.
• Gaseous exchange is increased during retention, bringing more oxygen to the blood, and eliminating carbon dioxide.
• Helps to balance the hemispheres of the brain.
• Helps control high blood pressure.
• Holds hormones in balance.
• Helps reduce cholesterol.
• Reduces swelling in throat.
• Kindles gastric fire and removes cough.
• Helps chest ailments, asthma and tuberculosis.
• Helps with diseases caused by phlegm, windiness and bile.
• Arteries are purified and cleansed.
• Reduces excess fat, tones up digestion and produces heat in the body.
• Strengthens heart and lungs.
• Purifies blood and aids circulation.
• Tones up the nervous system and the brain.
• Very useful for high blood pressure, chronic diseases, mental depression and stress.
• Helps with asthma.
• One of the exercises is the most beneficial for brain stimulation, memory enhancement and mental creativity.
• Beneficial for sinus sufferers.
• Helps alleviate nervousness, restlessness and fickle-mindedness. One feels light and refreshed after the practice.
• The voice becomes gentle and soothing.
• The vocal cords and throat muscles are strengthened.
• Soothes nerves.
• Increases blood flow to the pelvic area and pacifies reproductive organs.
• Loosens joints of upper and lower extremities.
• Increases strength in arms.

Mental/Psychic Benefits

• Makes mind steady and calm, at the same time refreshes and invigorates the mind.
• Purifies mind and removes stress.
• Brings an increase in alertness due to increased oxygen to the brain.
• Creates a feeling of exhilaration.
• Activates pranic energy and increases the supply of stored-up prana in the solar plexus region.
• Prana is stored and controlled.
• Purifies the nadis or meridians.
• The psychic system is balanced.
• Introverts mind for self-realization.