Power of Pranayama

Yogah Chitta Vrtti Nirodha 1.2

“Yoga is the Cessation of Movements in the Consciousness”

Yoga was first mentioned in the Vedas (the first documents of India) over 5000 years ago and is defined as “Union,” coming from the Sanskrit word “Yuj,” meaning to attach, direct, and concentrate one’s attention. It implies communion of the individual soul with the universal soul.

Patanjali documented the Yoga Sutras around 450 BC, which laid out the eight-limb path (steps) followed by yogis. These steps established our moral-personal observances, yoga asanas (postures) and pranayama breathing practices, introspectiveness, meditations, and finally, Samadhi, absorption, and bliss.

Yogic practices are understood physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. They all connect to prana (the life force), which permeates all of existence and is channeled within and throughout the body.

In Sanskrit, “Prana” is defined as breath, respiration, life, energy, and strength, and “Ayama” is defined as stretching, expansion, regulation, prolongation, and control, and Pranayama is defined as the conscious or controlled use of the breath.

During inhalation, we receive the primeval energy (prana), which stimulates the system. Then, prana is absorbed and distributed when the breath is consciously or unconsciously held (retention). During exhalation, toxins and vitiated air are expelled along with any mental-emotional toxins, and we surrender the individual self “ego” to the higher self “atman,” Bringing the light of knowledge and wisdom.

Pranayama strengthens the respiratory system, increases lung capacity, properly circulates bodily fluids, and cleans the blood. It removes toxins from the body, strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, calms the mind, improves focus, and brings presence and balance to the body, mind, and spirit.

“Our breath is the first and last thing we do in our lives; without breath, there is no life.”