Ayurvedaram.com

Oxygen is one of the most vital elements for the life and peace of mind. Pranayaam is a simple Indian process of breathing which increases our Prana (vital energy) and oxygen to the cells. It also helps alleviate sinus congestion, deepens breathing and helps calm the mind by controlling hyperactivity of Prana to the brain. In the West hyperactivity of Prana to the brain is quite a common situation. This contributes to general anxiety, worry fear, paranoia, and craziness.

The process of Pranayaam is simple and straight forward. It nourishes our tissues and not just with oxygen. Breath is a vital way to build ojas, our energy cushion. Clearing the respiratory passages clears the Srotas (channels) related to Prana and vata. In the long term digestion and absorption are both strengthened as a result of Pranayaam.

The following steps may be followed to practice Pranayaam:

• Get comfortable, in a relaxed position with a straight back.
• Take a couple of deep breaths in and out first, if you like, to settle yourself down
• Block your left nostril with your left middle finger
• Breathe slowly and gently into your right nostril
• Hold your breath for a moment at the top of the exhalation
• Now close your right nostril with your right middle finger and release your left hand from your left nostril.
• Let the air naturally exhale from your left nostril; pause for a moment, and then inhale through the same left nostril again.
• Pause at the top of the inhalation, then close your left nostril, release your right one, and exhale out through the right nostril gently and completely.
• Pause at bottom of the exhalation before you begin the next cycle of breathing.

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