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
