Understanding Yoga and Pranayama

Yoga is a scientific system of physical and mentalNiranjananda of Bihar School of Yoga has classified
practices that originated in India more than 3000 yearsPranayama as hyperventilation and hypoventilation.
ago. It is not just physical fitness training. Yoga is anPranayama can be called the singular most important
ancient Indian philosophy that enhances personalaspect of yoga as they are means to purify the subtle
growth and well being of the practitioner. It is extremelyenergies flowing through the body. Pranayama is an
powerful stuff and is part of the Hindu religion and aimportant, yet little known part of Yoga. Pranayama
way of life.establishes regular breathing patterns, breaking this
Yoga is one of the six orthodox systems of Indiannegative cycle, and reversing the process.
Philosophy. It is a science that has been practiced forAny Yoga classes should normally include practice of
thousands of years. Yoga is anything but aerobics, notpranayama (breathing techniques, Dhyana (meditation),
gymnastic. There are those who think Yoga is nothingyoga nidra (psychic sleep or deep relaxation), and
else but standing on one's head or sitting somewherephilosophy and practice of yoga. Pranayama will focus
in a Buddha-like posture without moving. Or theyon various forms and practices of nadi shodana
believe it is a religion. Yoga is a practical aid, not apranayama to balance the nervous system and
religion. A male who practices yoga is called a yogi, acultivate prana.
female practitioner, a yogini.The asanas consist of gentle stretching, balancing, and
Yoga philosophy consists of eight limbs. Ashtangaresistance movements and involve nearly every
which basically means asth (Eight) and Anga (limbs) ormuscle of the body. Unlike stretching or fitness, Yoga
eight parts of yoga. Which includes, Yum, Niyam,is more than just physical postures. Though it is very
Asana, Pranayma, dyana, pratyahar, dharana andeasy, but Please consult with your doctor before
samadhi.beginning a stretching or yoga practice, and listen to
In my first series of articles, We'll discussyour own body and its limitations.
Pranayama.As Yoga exercise is incomplete withoutYoga is a practice, a celebration of joining together
purification of your internal Soul. You can treat Yogamind and body. Traditional yoga is also safe, since it
as purification of body and Pranayama and other limbsavoids any straining of the body. This is why yoga is
as purification of soul.becoming more and more popular worldwide.Yoga is
Pranayama is the science of breath control.the perfect prescription for mental, physical, and
Pranayama is the fourth limb in Astanga Yoga.spiritual well-being.
Considering the physiology of Pranayama, Swami