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Hatha Yoga

Pranayama

Prana is the controlling energy behind mind, body and breath. Actual traslation for Prana is not available in English. Pranayama in West means breathing exercise. But in reality it is regulation of energy behind all our mental and bodily activities. And through breath it can be easily regulated.

Main aim of Pranayama is to purify the Nadis and to make Kundalini power to reach Sahasrara Chakra from Muladhara chakra. Sage Patanjali in his Patanjala Yoga Darshana says Pranayama removes the veil of ignorance and leads one to Self realization.

Pranayama consists of three actions. One is Puraka(Inhalation of breath), Kumbhaka(Retention of breath) and Rechaka (Exhalation of breath).

There are eight important Pranayamas according to Hathayoga Pradipike. They are:

  • Surya bhedha pranayama
  • Ujjayi pranayama
  • Sitkari pranayama
  • Shitali pranayama
  • Bhastrika pranayama
  • Bhramari pranayama
  • Murcha pranayama
  • Plavini pranayama
Use of Bandhas are an important aspect in Pranayama.

Bandha (Locks)

Bandhas are very important in advanced Hathayoga. They are used to awaken Kundalini Shakti. They are:
  • Jalandhara Bandha: Contraction of throat.
  • Mulabandha: Contraction of anus.
  • Uddhiyana Bandha: Contraction of Stomach.
These Bandhas are extensively used in Pranayama.

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