Pranayama, a combination of words Prana and Ayama is control over natural breathing, can be called Yogic Breathing Exercises

The word Pranayama is derived from two words: Prana (প্রাণ प्राण) and Ayama (আয়াম, आयाम). Prana means air (life force), and Ayama means control. In simple terms, Pranayama is some kind of specific control over natural breathing. It is also called Yogic Breathing Exercises.  

Pranayama means the regulation of Prana. The primary gateway of Prana is the two nostrils. According to the Yoga Darshan composed by Maharshi Patanjali, Pranayama is the regulation of the movement of inhalation and exhalation as much as possible.

According to Yoga Darshan, Pranayama is of four types:

1. Bahya Vritti (external modification) বাহ্য বৃত্তি
2. Abhyantara Vritti (internal modification) আভ্যন্তর বৃত্তি
3. Stambha Vritti (suspension) স্তম্ভ বৃত্তি
4. Bahya–Abhyantara Vishayakshepi (that which transcends both external and internal) বাহ্যাভ্যন্তর বিষয়াক্ষেপী

During Pranayama, drawing the breath into the body is called Puraka (inhalation), পূরক. During Pranayama, releasing the breath out of the body is called Rechaka (exhalation) রেচক. Holding the breath during the practice of Pranayama is called Kumbhaka কুম্ভক.

Kumbhaka is of two types:

1. Bahya Kumbhaka (holding the breath outside the body) বাহ্য কুম্ভক and
2. Antah Kumbhaka (holding the breath inside the body) অন্ত্য কুম্ভক.

Through Pranayama, the respiratory system is exercised. The functional capacity of the lungs increases, blood circulation improves, and anxiety, worry, anger, fear, frustration, etc., are reduced. Along with this, brain capacity, memory power, intelligence, and intellect increase. Pranayama makes a person long-lived.

Essential guidelines for the practice of Pranayama:

1. Select a clean and pure place. If possible, Pranayama should be practised near a water body.
2. If the selected place has a high level of pollution, a ghee lamp should be lit before practising Pranayama.
3. During Pranayama practice, inhalation and exhalation should be done only through the nostrils.
4. Practising Pranayama in the morning after bathing is recommended. Otherwise, it should be practised after a minimum of 4 to 5 hours have passed since the last meal.
5. The mind should be kept as calm and cheerful as possible.
6. Pranayama may be practiced in Sukhasana সুখাসন, Padmasana পদ্মাসন, Siddhasana সিদ্ধাসন, or Vajrasana বজ্রাসন; alternatively, it may be practiced while sitting on a chair.
7. Direct contact with the ground while practising Pranayama is not advisable. A blanket, kusha mat, yoga mat, or carpet may be used.
8. Pranayama should be practised according to one’s own constitution and the season.
9. Hungry persons and those suffering from fever should not practice Pranayama.
10. Before practising Pranayama, one should chant “Om” several times; this helps to calm the mind.

To be updated...