Therapeutic Use of Pranayama

Pranayama, as we know it, is a Yogic breathing technique, which aims to control the process of breathing for both physical and mental benefits. As per Yogic concept, Pranayama is not only a means to control 'Prana-shakti' (life-force), but also 'Chitta' (thought potential). Through Pranayama, one can extend one's 'Prana-shakti' (life-force) beyond the normal state of mind. In Pranayama, the process of inhalation is known as 'Purak', the action of controlling and retaining breath is known as 'Kumbak' and the process of exhalation is known as 'Rechak'

Besides attaining spiritualism, Pranayama has great importance from therapeutic point of view, in treating and curing various chronic diseases.

Physically speaking, Pranayama is a systematic exercise of respiration, which makes the lungs stronger, improves blood circulation, makes man healthier and bestows upon him the boon of longevity. As we know, the process of breathing consists of inhalation and exhalation. During inhalation, we take in oxygen, which reaches every cell of our body through the lungs and heart. During exhalation, the waste product, i.e. carbon dioxide is thrown out of our body. Thus the process of respiration depends upon the efficiency of our lungs. If our lungs function efficiently, our blood can deliver optimum level of oxygen throughout our body and remove the toxic carbon dioxide more effectively. Pranayama not only helps in strengthening our lungs, but also our diaphragm, which ensures that our lungs function efficiently at their optimum level.

However, most of us do not have the habit of breathing deeply, as a result of which only one-fourth of our lungs are used in the process of breathing, while the remaining three-fourth remains idle. Our lungs are made up of about 73 million cells. During shallow breathing, as we are all accustomed, only 20 million cells in the lungs get oxygen, whereas remaining 53 million cells remain deprived of oxygen, as a result of which they get contaminated by several diseases like tuberculosis, respiratory diseases and several ailments like asthma, bronchitis, etc.

Inefficient functioning of the lungs affects the process of blood purification, leading to deprivation of optimum level of oxygen to all the organs of the body, weakening them prematurely. Weakening of major organs like heart leads to untimely death. Thus regular practice of Pranayama can help us lead a long and healthy life. Several diseases can be averted by regular practice of Pranayama. Mental disturbances, which lead to stress and other mental disorders, can be calmed down by regular practice of Pranayama.

Types of Pranayama: There are seven basic types of Pranayama, namely; Bhastrikaa, Kapaalbhaati, Bahya, Anulom-Viloma, Bhramari, Omkara Jap, and Nadi Shodhan.

Health benefits of Pranayama:

- Digestive system improves and diseases pertaining to digestive system are cured.

- Helps in treating disease related to lungs, heart and brain.

- Helps in treating chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, allergy, migraine, acidity, high blood pressure, sexual disorders of males and females, and disorders of kidney.

- Helps in boosting our immune system.