What are the benefits of Pranayama and how do we do it?

Pranayama is one of the most powerful ways to balance the air element in our body. Remember, the only way disease-causing waste can leave our body is to first be combined with oxygen. Without enough oxygen, the body simply can't take the inner toxins out. 

Through consistent non-violent pranayama practice, we can train our body to get used to long and deep breaths in order to keep our body healthy.

Physical and Mental Benefits of Pranayama

1. By regularly and properly doing Pranayama, a person can save himself from all diseases.

2. The work efficiency of all body parts increases.

3. The concentration power of the mind and memory increases.

4. Digestive power increases.

5. Lungs get more rest.

6. Blood circulation increases. The blood becomes clean. Helps in the removal of foreign matter from the body. 

7. Doing pranayama can reverse stress, anxiety, etc.

8. The Vital Power gets used in the correct way. It does not cause any pains to old people.

9. It improves the throat. It does not let unnecessary mucus accumulate in the lungs, windpipe, throat.

10. Increases spiritual receptivity.

Before starting out, please be mindful of these precautions that must be taken during Pranayama:

1. Stomach should be empty. The best time to do it is in the morning and evening.

2. Keep your back straight. The best posture is - Sukhasan, Sidhaasan and Padmaasan. If it is not possible to do it in these postures or there is not enough strength in your body, then it can be done by standing straight or by lying down straight on your back.

3. Do it while wearing cotton, lose and white or light coloured clothes.

4. The environment around you should be peaceful and preferably, you should be alone.

The 5 Stages of Pranayama are:

1. Rechak Kreeya (Blocking one nostril and exhaling from the other nostril)

2. Braham Kumbhak (Blocking both nostrils and holding breath outside after exhaling)

3. Poorak Kreeya (Inhaling from the nostril opposite the one exhaled from in Rechak Kreeya)

4. Aantarik Kumbhak (Blocking both nostrils and holding breath inside after inhaling)

5. Rechak Kreeya (Exhaling from the nostril opposite the one inhaled from in the Poorak Kreeya)

Please go through our guided Pranayama video on our channel Satvic movement to help you get more clarity on the steps - https://youtu.be/CZDgxv1plfw?t=728

Note: People suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease should hold their breath only for a little while.