What is the treatment?
Pranayama is a practice of breathing in which an individual controls his inhalation and exhalation and also holds the breath in a unique way. It is done to treat and balance both the mind and body, which also improves energy flow and overall mental and physical health. During pranayama breathing, the therapist guides the individual to control the duration, frequency, and timing of the breathing. The term "pranayama" comes from Sanskrit, in which prana means "force of life" or "energy," and ayama means "control" or "expansion."
Philosophy/Origin
Pranayama originated in India, where yoga and pranayama have been traditional and cultural practices for thousands of years. It is described in the principles of classical yoga, such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In this practice, the individual controls his breath to improve the energy of life within the body. In philosophy, understanding the breath is seen as a way to balance physical, mental, and spiritual health. Pranayama is an important part of yoga practice and the effects of physical postures known as asanas and meditation.
Physical Benefits
Mental/Emotional Benefits
Long-Term Wellness
The long-term effects of pranayama practice include improved energy levels, a balanced mood, and a good quality of sleep. Regular practice of pranayama breathing helps to slow the aging process by reducing stress. Many practitioners use pranayama to deepen their meditation practice, which leads to growth and inner peace.
Ideal Audience
Pranayama is suitable for people who need to improve their physical and mental health. It is ideal for individuals looking for stress reduction and emotional balance. It also benefits yoga practitioners who want to improve their overall practice.
Specific Conditions
The treatment overview of Pranayama's breathing is mentioned below
Positioning
The therapist guides the individual to sit comfortably with a straight back. It is also necessary to perform the practice in a quiet environment. The individual can adapt a starting position according to suitability, such as in a cross-legged position or in sitting or lying down.
Breathing pattern
The therapist asks the individual to observe the pattern of normal breathing and also guides them to pay attention to the sensation of air entering and leaving the body.
Deep Breathing (Dirgha Pranayama)
The therapist guides the patient to inhale deeply through the nose while expanding the lungs fully. After that, the focus shifts to exhalation slowly through the nose and clearing the lungs completely. The individual should focus on lengthening each breath.
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
After that, the individual closes one nostril with his thumb and inhales deeply through the open nostril. Then, he closes the open nostril with the ring finger and exhales through the opposite nostril. This step repeats for several cycles.
Kapalbhati (Skull Shining Breath)
In this step, the individual inhales deeply and then exhales forcefully through the nose, using abdominal muscles to expel air. This technique is useful for clearing the nasal passages and increasing mental clarity.
Bhastrika (Bellows Breath)
It is another step in which an individual rapidly inhales and exhales through the nose while keeping the breaths short and intense. This increases energy levels and clears the respiratory system.
Cooling Breaths (Sheetali and Sheetkari)
These techniques involve inhaling through the mouth or teeth to cool the body and calm the mind. It is beneficial in warm weather or during stressful conditions.
What to Expect
During pranayama breathing, some people may feel some discomfort or light-headedness at the start of the session, but it usually subsides with the practice. Individuals also experience a sense of mental clarity as the body becomes used to the practice. Over time, pranayama breathing helps to feel more energized and emotionally balanced.
Immediate Effects
Long-Term Effects
Before the Treatment
It is better to choose a quiet place for improved focus and avoid distractions. It is also important to wear comfortable and loose clothing that allows easy breathing. Pranayama breathing should be performed on an empty stomach as it also involves abdominal muscles.
Aftercare
It is better to drink water to hydrate after the practice. The therapist also guides the individual to practice mindfulness throughout the day to put more focus on breathing to maintain the long-term effects.
Pranayama can be practiced independently, but it is better to perform the practice under the supervision of an expert therapist. It is often performed through wellness platforms like Wellencia, and this practice can be used in daily life to maximize health benefits.
