Note
- The Following Types of Pranayama should only be practiced
under the direct guidance of Expert Guru. Please DO NOT Practice
by reading the following article, it may be harmful to your
health.
Pranayama
in Hatha Yoga Pradipika -
Prana is vital energy, and ayama is control and extension of
the Pranic energy. Swami Swatmarama in Hatha Yoga Pradipika
talks about Pranayama as the way to awaken the kundalini, regular
practice of Pranayama can lead to spiritual awakening and self
realization. He describes various types of Pranayama, which
has different effects on the body, mind and spirit.
Considering
the physiology of Pranayama, Swami Niranjananda of Bihar School
of Yoga has classified Pranayama as hyperventilation and hypoventilation.
Mainly Kapalbhati, & Bhasrika Pranayama are considered as
Hyperventilation type of Pranayama, this type of Pranayama revitalizes
body. Bharamari, Shitali, Sitkari, Ujjayi etc are considered
as hypoventilation. Though kapalbhati is described as cleansing
technique in Hatha Yoga, it reduces the carbon dioxide (CO2)
percentage in blood so it can be classified as hyperventilation
Pranayama.
Kumbhaka
(Retention of air) along with Bandhas (energy locks) is very
important in Pranayama, it has long lasting effects on nervous
system, brain and other parts of the body. So guidance of Guru
is essential for practicing Pranayama. The practice of Kumbhaka
increases the CO2 in the blood, which stresses the nervous system,
and continuous practice results in nervous system becoming tolerant.
Some of the Yogis have displayed unique capacity to survive
without O2, with regular practice of Pranayama.
Nadi
Shodhan Pranayama (Nadi purifying Pranayama) -
Balancing the Ida and Pingala, the mental force and vital force
is one of the main objectives of Pranayama. Left nostril (Ida)
and right nostril (Pingala) if balanced can awaken Sushumna
(the psychic nadi or channel carrying kundalini) nadi. Swami
Swatmarama recommends Nadi Shodhan Pranayama, (alternate nostril
breathing with Kumbhaka and Bandhas) for purifying Ida Nadi
and Pingala Nadi.
Surya
Bhedan - Surya is sun, in the body pingala nadi represents energy
of Sun or vital energy, Surya Bhedan Pranayama increases vital
energy in the body, and it is revitalizing Pranayama. It is
practiced by inhaling with right nostril, then performing kumbhaka
with bandhas (Jalandhar Bandha or Chin Lock, Moola Bandha or
Anus lock and Uddiyan Bandha or Abdominal Lock) and exhaling
through left nostril. This Pranayama stimulates the sympathetic
nervous system and left part of the brain. It eliminates wind
or gas related trouble (Vata Dosha as per Ayurveda) and balances
Mucus (Kapha as per Ayurveda) and Bile / acidity (Pitta Dosha
as per Ayurveda).
Bhasrika
(bellow's breath) - This literally means one has to operate
lungs like the bellow, fast inhalation and fast exhalation,
followed by inhaling through right nostril and performing kumbhaka
with bandhas and exhaling through left nostril, this is is Bhasrika
Pranayama. This is vitalizing type of Pranayama. This rhythmic
inhalation and exhalation stimulates the circulation of cerebral
fluid, creating compression and decompression in the brain.
Rhythmic diaphragm movements stimulate heart & lung muscles
improving blood circulation. Accelerated blood circulation and
rate of gas exchange in each cell produces heat and washes out
gases.
Bhramari
(Humming Bee Breath) - In this Pranayama one has to make sound
like humming bee while exhalation and inhalation as well. This
Pranayama increases psychic sensitivity and awareness of subtle
sound vibrations, this proves to be useful for Nada Mediatation.
This is useful in removing stress and mental problems like anxiety,
depression, anger etc.
Ujjayi
(Victorious breath) - This is also called psychic breath. This
type of Pranayama is done with inhalation via nostrils then
performing Bandhas and exhalaing through left. During inhalation
and exhalation a typical sound (Ujjayi Sound) should be created
by compressing epiglottis in the throat. Ujjayi sound can be
combined with So-Ham or Guru Mantra for better awareness of
Mantra. Ujjayi Pranayama has therapy applications, especially
useful in insomnia, tensions, and heart diseases. This should
not be practiced in Low blood pressure, as the practice of this
Pranayama puts pressure on carotid sinus which further reduces
blood pressure.
Sitkari
- This is done by opening lips, keeping the upper and lower
teeth touching each other, then inhaling through mouth with
hissing sound, then performing kumbhaka with bandhas and then
exhaling with nostrils. The air passing via tongue, cools the
blood, lowering the temperature of the blood. This type of Pranayama
removes excess heat in the body. Also the diseases like acidity,
hypertension etc. This Pranayama harmonizes the secretions of
reproductive organs and all the endocrine system. Also it improves
digestion, lowers High Blood pressure, purifies the blood.
Shitali
- (Cooling Breath) Tongue is rolled and inhalation is done via
mouth followed by Kumbhaka with Bandhas and then exhalation
with nostrils. The effects of the Shitali are same as Sitkari
Pranayama.
Moorcha
- (Swooning Breath or Fainting) This type of Pranayama induces
a state of "conscious unconsciousness" (in the words
of Swami Satyananda of Bihar School of Yoga). One should inhale
through both the nostrils, the kumbhaka with Bandhas, but while
exhaling the Jalandhar Bandha (Chin Lock) is kept intact and
then exhalation is done with the Jalandhar bandha (Chin lock).
Excess pressure is exerted on carotid sinus during exhalation
with Jalandhar bandha, which further reduces blood pressure
and one can experience a state of unconsciousness with practice.
This
Pranayama involves high risks so should not be practiced with
out the Direct Guidance of Guru.
Plavini
- (Floating breath) After inhalation the air is filled in to
stomach and kept inside for some time. Swami Satyananda mentions
that one can inhale the air via mouth while practicing this.
Text of Hatha Yoga Pradipika mentions that one can float easily
on water with this Pranayama. This Pranayama helps remove most
of the ailments of stomach or digestive system.
Hari Om Tat Sat
References
-
*
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- Swami Satyananda Saraswati
*
Prana Pranayama Prana
Vidya -Swami Niranjananda Saraswati
*
Pranayama - Yogacharya Vishwas Mandlik
***********
