Breathing And The Veda

 

The key factors to be observed while performing in all the 3-procedures of Pranayama described below is -- "Good Effort - Zero Strain - Conscious Enjoyment".

 

Spine should be kept erect / vertical all the while without bending / sagging.  This can be done best while sitting on floor cross legged with some soft padding below.  If that is not possible, you can do it while sitting on a firm chair with good back rest to keep erect. 

 

1. Bhastrika: 

 

Deep, full inhalation to the maximum capacity of the lungs -- particularly filling up the upper parts of the lungs while expanding the chest (never the stomach). 

 

Hold for a second -- exhale emptying the lungs completely with force -- Hold for a second.  

 

Repeat the above at least 20 times to start with.  It can go upto100 times progressively.  

 

This is primarily a warming up / preparation.  Readying the body for absorbing higher levels of Oxygen with increased Blood Circulation.    

 

2. Kapala Bhathi:  

 

Rapid bursts of exhalations is the key.  This is achieved by contracting the Stomach or by operating the diaphragm.  You can see this well on the video demo on the web.  Inhalation occurs automatically.  Concentrate only on expulsion powerfully.  Here again it should be done "strain free" in an enjoyable manner. 

 

One can start with a rate of 30 times a minute and take it upto 120 times a minute progressively as experience is gained.   But while varying the rate, if one can consciously "synchronize" the exhaling bursts with Heart Beats -- maximum gain is made.   Heart beats will also be changing during this process and will keep increasing before stabilizing at some level - that is quite specific to each individual. 

 

 

At that stable level of Heart Beat -- the procedure should continue for some minutes. This need not be necessarily be non stop.  Comfort levels should never be compromised.  Strain should be avoided at all times.  Enjoyment is the Key. 

 

 

 

The test of whether you have done the procedure well or not is --- you will feel very light with your body after doing it.  The breathing will become so smooth and effortless.  You get a feeling that huge volume of air is going in -- every time you inhale.  If you go up the stairs, you feel you are floating up, not climbing. 

 

3. Anulome & Vilome:

 

The most mystic part of the 3-course Pranayam.  The procedure is very simple.  Inhale to full capacity through the left nostril - hold a second - exhale through the right nostril. Now inhale to full capacity through the right nostril -- hold for a second -- exhale through the left nostril.  This completes one cycle.  Slower the better.

 

Make use of your hands and fingers in the above process.  Do at least 30 cycles to feel the effect.  100 cycles is good.  200 is better.  300 and more are best. 

 

Anxiety drops immediately along with BP.  Some calmness descends on you.  Experiments have proven great improvement of Left-Right Brain Co-ordination.  Very useful in quickly calming Neurotics & Psychotics.  Particularly a person like Nina. 

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The effectiveness of Pranayama is felt -- only as long as you practice daily.  If you stop it, conditions will return.  But this has no cost, doable at home, non hazardous & safe, saves people from spending on Doctors, Keeps people away from common ailments like coughs, colds, fevers etc.

 

Huge Scientific research is going on in India on the applicability & efficacy of Pranayama for deadly & incurable diseases like Tumours & Cancer, R & A, Diabetes, BP-Heart Blockages, Kidney failures etc.  The results appear very promising by the initial reports. 

 

Pranayama is the 4th stage in the practice of 8-path Yoga of Sage Patanjali.

 

Regards,