Pranayama

Prana- Breath, life force or Energy

Ayama- Movements, exercises, control or extension

Pranayama is the proper breathing exercise that helps to give us the following benefits:-

1.Reduces stress, depression, and burnout

2 Induces natural relaxation

3.Improves sleep

4.Improves the level of blood Oxygen

5.Balances nervous system

6.Improves digestion

7.Improves the level of immunity

8. Supports the functions of every system in the body.

9. Improves alertness and reflex action

Basic proceedings of Pranayama

1.Inhalation (Poorak): Breathing in.

2.Retention(Kumbhak): Holding the breath at empty, full, or somewhere in between.

3.Exhalation(Rechak)Inhalation: Breathing out.

Pranayama methods

Basic pranayama

Sit straight on the floor or on a chair. Inhale slowly and deeply through both nostrils, expanding the stomach. Exhale slowly and gently by constricting the belly.

Bhramari Pranayama. 

Close the ears using your thumbs, and keep the other fingers on the top of the head. Inhale gently by loosing out the stomach. Exhale by making a bee humming sound from the throat. Repeat 5-10 times. This brings a soothing effect to the head.

Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama

This is a cleansing type of Pranayama, done by alternate nostril breathing.

Sit in a comfortable position. Fold the index finger and the middle finger of the right hand. Use the thumb and ring finger of the right hand to control breathing through one nostril. Inhale and exhale as above. Repeat it deeply and gently.

After doing Pranayama your meditating concentration becomes stronger and deeper. So it is always advisable to do Pranayama and meditation together.