YOUR PATH TO PRANAYAMA
breathe deep and relax
We know that the word “prana” means life force and “pranayama” in Yoga means “breath control” or deep diaphragmatic breathing; which is crucial to both sustaining life, as well as relaxation.
But did you know your diaphragm does more then just help you breathe deeper and cultivate prana?
Deep breathing establishes the mind-body connection needed to regulate our autonomic nervous system (ANS); which can become under-active or over-active with higher levels of stress, tension and the daily hustle and bustle of our urban lifestyle.
The ANS is comprised of the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and the sympathetic Nervous System (SNS); which are responsible for regulating the body’s involuntary functions; which includes the movement of the diaphragm, breathing, circulation, muscle contractions and how you got into the Yoga posture you are practicing right now!
When we meditate or sleep all of these processes slow, along with our breath and we reach a steady state of deep breathing, which is controlled and methodical.
However, daily stress, tension, muscle fatigue and anxiety can obstruct the fluidity of breathing leaving us with shallow, rigid breathing patterns. This results in unbalanced or impaired autonomic responses that restrict the flow of energy in our body, thus weakening our prana.
Deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises engage the diaphragm, abdominal wall and rib-cage which improves the inner space within the abdomen for the organs to move freely.
Practicing your pranayama helps to circulate freshly oxygenated blood throughout the system, improves mental clarity and activates the PSNS by stimulating the vagus nerve; which induces the relaxation response, and provides a healthy respite from chronic stress.
Your Path to Pranayama can begin in a relaxed seated or supine posture. Place one hand on your chest and the other hand on your belly:
- Steady your mind.
- Breathe more slowly.
- Breathe more deeply, from the belly.
- Exhale longer than you inhale.
- Cultivate Pranayama
Happy Breath makes Happy Prana!
Sources:
* Full Path to Pranayama article can be found here: “The Da!ly Muse” YogaFORM’s official blog site. http://gimmedailymuse.wordpress.com/
* Yoga Anatomy: author Leslie Kaminoff and The Breathing Project, Inc – NYC
