THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS OF YOGIC PRANAYAMA

Yogacharya

Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI

M.B.B.S, A.D.Y, D.S.M, D.P.C, P.G.D.F.H., CHAIRMAN

International Centre for Yoga Education & Research, Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, South India

INTRODUCTION
Pranayama: Science of controlled, conscious expansion (Ayama) of Prana, the vital life force Prana is the fundamental basis of whatever is, was and will be- Atarva Veda All that exists in all the three worlds is under the governance of Prana- Prasnopanishad The Prana is ones greatest friend, companion and there is no greater kinsman Shiva Svarodaya Unleashes the powerful Kundalini Shakti.

 YOGA SUTRAS: Pranayama - fourth Anga of Ashtanga Yoga Practice Yama-Niyama and try to master Asana before Pranayama Regulation of inhalation and exhalation Darkness hiding the light of wisdom is destroyed and the mind attains fitness for Samyama GHERANDA SAMHITA: Moderation in diet leave space for Pranayama Ashta Kumbhaka: Sahita, Surya Bhedana, Ujjayi, Sitali, Bhastrika, Brahmari, Murccha and Kevali Kumbhaka

 HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA: Disturbed breath - disturbed mind. Cultivate steady, quiet breath - control mind prolong life The Lord of senses is mind, Lord of mind is breath. Master of breath is nervous system.Quietness of nerves and concentration depend on steady, smooth & rhythmic sound of inhalation and exhalation Ashta Kumbhaka: Surya Bhedana, Ujjayi, Sitkari, Sitali, Bhastrika, Brahmari, Murccha and Plavini Pranayama can cure all diseases - but cause a multitude of problems if performed wrongly

PRANAYAMA CLASSIFICATION
(Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri ) YOGA PRANAYAMAS or ADHAMAS:
Correcting breathing difficulties, cleansing respiratory system and strengthening the nervous system and mind. e.g. Vibhaga, Bhastrika, Kapalabhati, Sheetali & Sitkari

SAMYAMA PRANAYAMAS or MADYAMAS:

Introspective means to attain sensory control, sensory withdrawal, concentration & meditation. e.g. Brahmari, Pranava and Savitri

SHAKTI PRANAYAMAS or UTTAMAS:

Higher Pranayamas for arousal of Kundalini Shakti. e.g. Ujjayi and Surya Bhedana

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA

Overall health and well being Brain function Emotional health Autonomic & metabolic function Circulation Exercise and altitude tolerance Breathing disorders Relaxation

OVERALL HEALTH AND WELL BEING - HATHA PRADIPIKA

Slender and lustrous body, increased gastric fire and excellent health Surya Bhedana purifies sinuses, cures Vata disorders and removes worms Ujjayi cures disorders of phlegm and Dhatus Sitkari: no hunger, thirst, sleep or lassitude Sheetali relieves colic, spleenomegaly, fever & bile disorders. Hunger and thirst are alleviated & poisons neutralized Bhastrika cures phlegm, bile and gas disorders & helps increase gastric fire

BRAIN FUNCTION-1
Memory, intelligence & creativity enhancedtackling learning disabilities Uni-nostril breathing increases spatial scores, speed of mental processing and dexterity of the tasks Mukha Bhastrika improves speed of reaction Improvement of CNS and PNS function Samatvam -Homeostatic balance of ANS Nadi Shuddhi and Nadi Shoddhana: cleanse all 72,000 Nadis

BRAIN FUNCTION-2
Surya Pranayama influences left brain function Chandra Pranayama influences right brain function Alternate nostril Pranayamas (Nadi Shuddhi, Nadi Shoddhana, Loma Viloma and Aloma Viloma) help cerebral cleansing and creation of a balanced personality Potential uses in treatment of hemispheric and autonomic imbalance

EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Samatvam and Sthitha Prajna Emotions and breath are known to have a deep relationship. Rat and rabbit in contrast to elephant and turtle Conscious, deep, regular breathing can synchronise and reinforce inherent cardiovascular rhythms and modify baroreflex sensitivity This may be attained by practice of Pranayamas such as Ujjayi, Savitri, Sukha, Sukha Purvaka and Pranava Pranayamas

AUTONOMIC & METABOLIC FUNCTION

RIGHT NOSTRIL
activity phase of rest activity cycle activates SNS increased O2 consumption increased metabolism Corrects low BP increased heart rate increased body temp.

LEFT NOSTRIL
increased GSR. lowers blood sugar decreases SP,DP and MP reduced symp activity

Chandra Pranayama beneficial for pts suffering concomitant DM and HT

CIRCULATION
Improved O2 consumption, better O2 delivery, utilization and minimal energy expenditure Higher work rate with reduced O2 consumption / unit work without increase in blood lactate levels Increased peripheral blood flow, along with decreased body weight Geriatric patients - impaired cerebral and peripheral circulation Patients unable to do more vigorous practices

EXERCISE AND ALTITUDE TOLERANCE

The slow breathing rate during Pranayama substantially reduces chemo reflex sensitivity Long-term practice leads to a generalised reduction in chemo reflex. Useful for those working at high altitude as well as divers Patients of CV disorders, breathlessness and labored breathing

BREATHING DISORDERS
Normalizes lung function and airway patency Kapalabhati - increased sympathetic activitymay help Asthmatic patients in acute asthma. Lung function improves in patients of COPD prolongation of breath holding time increased FVC, FEV1, MVV, PEFR lowered respiratory rate Stress reduction

RELAXATION
Breath - the bridge between body and mind Savitri Pranayama - relaxant effect on CVS hypertension and coronary artery disease. Re-conditioning and re-learning a healthy pattern of breathing (ample VT and a slow rate). Abdominal breathing -more profound relaxation Savitri + Shavasana deeper relaxation Helps alleviate stress in many psychosomatic disorders such as hypertension, IBS, DM, peptic ulcer and bronchial asthma Insomnia disappears

PRANAYAMA & THE SADHAKA

Pranayama Sadhana not limited to physical and mental benefits for patients - has a lot to offer the spiritual aspirant in a wholistic manner Japa Sadhana as well as Bhakti Sadhana Pranayama is a vital tool for moving from gross to subtle - mergence with the Divine Sama Bhava -Sthitha Prajna - a great boon Bestows Viveka and attainment of Jnana Energy to overcome all obstacles in Sadhana

CONCLUSION
Pranayama has immense therapeutic potential Right diet - right attitude are important Of vital importance in Yoga Sadhana The best and only way to really control the mind is by regular, dedicated and determined practice of Pranayama with awareness, consciousness and purity of thought, word and deed Pranayama practise can only be possible if the field has been prepared by sincere practice of Yama, Niyama and Asana that are necessary preludes to Pranayama Sadhana

THANK YOU