Pranayam

The literal meaning of ‘Pranayama’, a Sanskrit word is extension, dimension or control of the ‘Praana’, breath or the life force. This is the fourth Anga (limb/ part) of the eight limbs/ parts of ‘Ashtaanga Yoga’ mentioned in the ‘Yoga Sutra’ of great seer Patanjali.

Breathing is nothing but the life, being one of our most vital functions. The process of breathing consists of two activities, viz., inhaling and exhaling. First is called "Pooraka" and the latter "Rechaka"' in Yogashastra. These two activities continue in an unabated manner right from the birth to the death of a person. The state when these two activities are briefly paused is called ‘Kumbhaka’. The pause after inhaling, i.e., Pooraka is called "Abhyantara or Antah Kumbhaka" and after exhaling, i.e. rechaka. ‘Bahya or Bahih  Kumbhaka’.

On the basis of various permutations and combinations of above four possible options, seers of yore have made various types of Pranayama e.g. Nadi Sodhana, Shitali Pranayama, Ujjayi Pranayama, Kapalabhati Pranayama, Bhastrika Pranayama, Bahya Pranayama, Bhramari Pranayama, Udgith Pranayama, Anuloma - Viloma Pranayama, Agnisar Kriya and many more.

Breathing is so natural and so obvious we often take it for granted, ignoring its effects on our body, mind and spirit.  Most of us are unaware of the benefits of Pranayama also known as yoga breathing. Some benefits of Pranayama are reduced breathing Rate, improved Blood Circulation, healthy Heart, better functioning of autonomic system, improved working of lungs, heart, diaphragm, abdomen, intestines, kidneys and pancreas, improvement of digestive system, strengthening of the immune system and removal of toxins from body.

But, what is more important is the effect of Pranayama over our mental, psychological and emotional faculties. ‘Hatha Yoga Pradipika’ states that when the Breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the Breath is still, mind also turns still. Pranayama or Yogic Breathing affects our state of mind, as it can make us excited or calm, tense or relaxed, confused or clear.

Pranayama has been found highly beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders, reducing signs of oxidative stress, depression cure and developing steady mind, strong will-power and sound judgment. Its regular practice frees you from negative and harmful mental conditions like anger, depression, lasciviousness, greed, arrogance etc. and you start experiencing lightness of body, feeling of inner peace, better sleep, better memory and better concentration whereby improving the spiritual powers/ skills.

But not many know that not every Pranayama suits everyone and while choosing your specific Pranayama, you have to consider so many factors. While well-chosen Pranayama may bestow you immense benefits, overdoing a Pranayama, not suitable to you, may cause physical and mental complications. At present, there are plethora of books, websites, individuals and organizations, who are popularizing and teaching art and science of Pranayama in their own ways.

You can approach any of them after checking their credentials. However, after an extensive research, ‘AstroDevam.com’® has found that all the systems of Pranayama do not suit to everyone. We have recorded incidents where people went into depression or became hyper, after doing Pranayama in a particular way, taught by inexperienced and novice Yoga Gurus. They forget that each and every person has unique emotional and psychological composition and you cannot generalize a single system of Pranayama for all and sundry.

Experienced and competent team of ‘AstroDevam.com’® gives specific and precise guidance, in this regard, to you after going through

1. Unique permutations and combinations of your accurately prepared Vedic Horoscope,
2. Basic nature of each and every Graha (Planet), especially Moon,  in your horoscope,
3. Circumstantial nature of each and every Graha (Planet) , especially Moon,  due to their unique placement in your horoscope,
4. Shadbala (Six types of strengths) of each and every Graha (Planet) , especially royal planets,  in your horoscope,
5. The zodiac sign as well as Nakshatra (Star/ Mansion) occupied by the royal planets, especially moon,
6. Current running Dasa and transit of your horoscope,
7. The specific problems being faced by you,
8. Goals and aims, desired to be achieved by you.

Only, after this complex and intensive exercise, we suggest you the specific Pranayama to be performed by you, the proper time for performance of Pranayama, the duration of performance of Pranayama, the proper and detailed methodology for its performance, the precautions to be undertaken before, during and after performance of Pranayama, suggested by us. This is the reason that Pranayama suggested by ‘AstroDevam.com’®, never fail to deliver the required results.