Rhythmatic breathing keeps physical
body in good health, temperament in check, stress
free mind in an equilibrium state. Rhythmatic breathing
is possible through 'pranayama'.
Mind has a direct connection to
the breathing & its rhythm. When the mind is agitated,
rate of breathing goes up & when the mind is calm
it comes down. Through regular practice of pranayama
one will be able to control one's mind from getting
agitated, stressed & reduce unwanted thoughts.
There are several types of pranayama
in vogue & depending on the suitability to individual,
climate, place etc., an appropriate type of pranayama
should be practiced which could be learnt from an
expert.
However, the easiest, simplest &
most common pranayama is as follows.
Method of Pranayama:
- Inhale forcefully through left nostril by blocking
right nostril with the right hand thumb in four
counts.
- Close both the nostrils with fingers &
thumb of the right hand and hold breath till 16
counts.
- Exhale slowly through right nostril keeping
the left nostril blocked with the fingers of the
right hand in 8 counts.
- Do the reverse. Inhale with right nostril,
hold and then exhale through left nostril in the
same ratio of 4:16:8
- This is one Pranayama.
- Initially 5 pranayama can be done which could
be later on increased to 10 if there is no discomfort
of any sort and 'feel good factor' is there.
- Inhale, hold & exhale can be done in the
ratio of 4:16:8 i.e. count 4 while inhaling, count
16 while holding breath and count 8 while exhaling.
Later on counting need not be done and allow natural
rhythm of breath to take over. There are many
types of other pranayama and one should practice
the same under an expert's supervision. In case
of any discomfort is felt while doing pranayama,
stop the same immediately and refer to an expert.
NOTE: Heart patients should not
do the above pranayama. For them 'Kapaal bhati'
pranayama is good which should be learned from
an expert.
For effective and enjoyable meditation, initial
preparation is very important which includes
