Pranayama

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Pranayama

Pranayama (pronunciation: praa-na-ya-ma) is a Sanskrit word that is derived from two roots: 'prana' meaning 'life force' or 'vital energy' and 'yama' meaning 'control' or 'restraint'. Thus, Pranayama refers to the control and regulation of one's breath.

Etymology

The term Pranayama is derived from the Sanskrit words 'prana' and 'yama'. 'Prana' (Prana) refers to the vital life force or energy that is present in all living beings. 'Yama' (Yama) means control or restraint. Therefore, Pranayama essentially means the control or regulation of one's breath or life force.

Description

Pranayama is a key component of Yoga, specifically Hatha Yoga. It is a set of breathing exercises which are designed to improve the body's physical health and prepare for meditation. Pranayama exercises involve various techniques of inhalation (puraka), retention (kumbhaka), and exhalation (rechaka) of breath.

Techniques

There are several techniques of Pranayama, including Anulom Vilom, Kapalbhati, Bhastrika, and Ujjayi. Each of these techniques has specific benefits and is performed in a certain way.

Benefits

Pranayama has numerous health benefits. It improves respiratory health, enhances concentration, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being. Regular practice of Pranayama can also help in managing conditions like asthma, anxiety, and high blood pressure.

Related Terms

  • Yoga: A physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India.
  • Hatha Yoga: A branch of Yoga that emphasizes physical exercises and postures.
  • Anulom Vilom: A Pranayama technique that involves alternate nostril breathing.
  • Kapalbhati: A Pranayama technique that involves forceful exhalation.
  • Bhastrika: A Pranayama technique that involves rapid and forceful inhalation and exhalation.
  • Ujjayi: A Pranayama technique that involves breathing through the nose with the mouth closed.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski