Pradeep B. Muzoomdar

Common benefits of all pranayama:

• Calms mind

• Metabolic rate decreases

 

Bhastrika (Bellows)

Great freshness and agility (alertness) are experienced.  It is not only shattering of Tamas and stagnation, but also reduction of overtone and hyper-sensitivity to increase the functional efficiency of cells.  This is a fine practice to remedy some dangerous effects of Kumbhaka practice done wrongly.

 

 

Bhramari

Physical- creates soothing effect on nervous system. Cultures voice, and increases melody.

Therapeutic- relieves stress and cerebral tension.  Reduces anger, anxiety, insomnia, and BP.  Good for all psychosomatic problems; since it reduces stresses and tensions.  Eliminates throat ailments (tonsils, pain, etc.).  Speeds up healing of tissues, and so many be practiced after surgery.

Spiritual- develops 3-D awareness.  Expands mind towards all pervasive awareness.  Induces meditative state by harmonizing mind and directing the awareness in words.

 

 

Candra bhedana (moon division breathing)

Candra anulom-vilom

Cools system.  Cleanses sinuses.  Good for high BP.  Helps relieve anxiety.

 

Surya bhedana (sun division breathing)

Surya anulom-vilom

Warms system.  Cleanses sinuses.  Balances digestion.  Helps relieve depression.  Good for low BP.  Highly beneficial for heavy weight people.

 

 

Kapalabhati (skull shining/ illuminating)

Clears nasal passages.  Has an energetic effect on mind.  Prepares mind for meditation.  Revitalizing and rejuvenating.  Relieves heaviness in head.  Tones digestive organs.  Balances nervous system.

 

 

Nadi sodhana/ Nadi suddhi

Mental clarity.  Helps to purify subtle energy channels (nadis) of body so that prana flows more easily during pranayama and asana practice.  Lowers heart rate and reduces stress and anxiety.  Helps to synchronize two hemispheres of brain.

Physical- increases digestive fire and appetite.

Therapeutic- lowers stress and anxiety by harmonizing pranas. Beneficial in respiratory disorders like Bronchial asthma, nasal allergy, bronchitis, etc.

Spiritual- induces tranquility, clarity of thoughts and concentration. Clears pranic blockages, and balances Ida Pingala Nadis, causing Susumna Nadi to flow which leads to deep states of meditation and spiritual awakening.

 

 

Nadanusandhana (A-kara, U-kara, M-kara, AUM)

Different sounds like A, U, M, & AUM are produced loudly so that they generate a fine resonance (echo) all over body.  These resonant sounds act as stimulations and the post-resonance silence deepens awareness, and releases even very subtle tensions.

 

 

 

 

Sitali, Sitkari, and Sadanta (Cooling pranayama)

Physical- they induce muscular relaxation and an overall cooling effect.  Soothen eyes, ears, and purify blood.  Quench thirst, appease hunger, and generate a feeling of satisfaction.  Taste buds and mouth are sensitized.

Therapeutic- allergies due to cold can be effectively overcome by prolonged practice.  Help reducing tensions and stresses, and induce mental tranquility.  Sitkari and Sadanta keep teeth and gums healthy.  Help reduce BP and acidity.  Cure chronic dyspepsia (indigestion), various chronic skin diseases, and release even very subtle tensions.

Spiritual- expansion of awareness- a facet of spiritual growth- takes place as you move from Sitali (linear awareness) to Sitkari (surface awareness), and then to Sadanta (3-D awareness)

 

Limitations- low BP people should avoid. Suffering from cold, sore throat, bronchitis.  Sensitive teeth, missing teeth or denture should avoid Sitkari and Sadanta; instead practice Sitali.  Avoid during winter or cool climate.

 

Ujjayi (to conquer, be victorious)

Creates heat.  Calms mind.  Slows and calms flow of breath.  Stimulates thyroid, which helps to regulate metabolism.    Creates more focus and awareness during practice.  Creates vitality and endurance during more strenuous postures.

 

 

Vibhagiya svasana (Sectional breathing)

The purpose of this practice is to make the practitioner aware of 3 different components of respiration (abdominal, thoracic, and clavicular), and incorporate them into full yogic breathing.

• You acquire more power and vitality

• Calmness in daily activities

• Thinking and clarity of thought improve

• When tired or angry; this pranayama brings help in calming mind and revitalizing it.