Prana
in Sanskrit means breath, or vital energy in the body. Pranayama means
extending or controlling the breath. By practicing it, we can align our mind and
body. The flow of prana constantly changes based on our emotions, thoughts, and
even environmental temperature. If you feel scattered brained, your prana will
reflect that. Despite its meaning, pranayama is less about control and more
about becoming aware of and evening out the breath. Practicing can help calm
our bodies and minds and restore a natural balance.
Now,
how to begin! There are many techniques to try. Using the Ujjayi breath is a
great place to start. Yogis often use Ujjayi while practicing their asanas. The
easiest way to understand how to properly create the Ujjayi breath is to start
by holding your hand up to your face. With an open mouth, breathe on your hand
like you were trying to fog a mirror. Now try it with your mouth closed. You’re
breathing in and out through your nose, but you are also warming the throat
with each breath. You should be able to hear yourself inhale and exhale, but
try not to breathe so loudly that your neighbor can hear. Ujjayi breath is a
great basic pranayama technique. It gets the prana flowing evenly throughout
the body and mind.
Another
slightly more advanced technique is called Nadi Shodhan, or alternate nostril
breathing. We all have a masculine (right) and feminine (left) side. This pranayama
technique uses the breath to get rid of pranic blockages and balance
ourselves. To begin, take your right
hand and put down your index and middle finger. You will be using your thumb to
close the right nostril and your ring finger to close the left. Take a full,
clearing breath before you begin. Now, close the right nostril and breathe in
through the left, switch nostrils at the top of the inhale, and exhale through
the right. Then inhale through the right nostril, switch at the top, and exhale
through the left. Repeat this pattern as long as you would like. Just make sure
you end with an exhale on the left side to keep balance. If you have sinus
problems or congestion, you don’t have to block the nostrils and can perform
the same sweeping to both sides mentally.
The
best thing to remember with pranayama is that if it starts feeling too forced
or uncomfortable, stop and take a normal breath. Sometimes you just need to
restart, or you can try another technique and find what works best for you. If
you want to learn more, or put these techniques into practice, come in and try
our Mantra Meditation and Pranayama class this Thursday at 6:30pm!
