Stress control with pranyama

Our busy and tedious lifestyles produce lots of stress. Stress has a tremendous influence on our behaviour and attitude towards life. People get indulged in smoking, intake of alcohols, overeating etc.
Stress induces adverse effects on our normal body system such as circulatory and digestive system. The symptoms of the physiological disorders include nausea, diarrhea, acne, eczema, cold feet, palpitations etc.
Pranyama is the solution to all such problems. It is an efficacious stress buster tool that encompasses varied postures, asanas and poses. Pranayama should be practiced on a regular basis. It is a gamut of breathing exercises that maintains a harmony between the mind and body. It offers you mental composure. However, it should be clear in mind that pranayama should be done under the strict supervision of a strict professional. It relieves you of the stress and anxiety and helps you to acquire spiritual growth.

Virasana: Ideal pose for pranayama

The word “Virasana” refers to “Hero Pose.” It is an ideal pose for pranayama. All you need to do is first kneel down on the floor and join both the knees. Then keep a distance of 17—18 inches between both the legs and keep your buttocks on the floor such that inner calf touches the thighs and toes touch the floor backwards. Now keep your wrist on your knees in such a way that palms face upwards. When you are done with this step then you need to bring the tips of thumbs and forefingers of both your hands close and rest other fingers stretched. Also you need to keep your back straight and be in the same pose as long as you can and start deep inhalation.
While deep inhalation, put your palms on your knees and interlock your fingers and bring your hands over your head. Now continue with this position for a minute and keep doing deep breathing. Now separate your interlocked fingers and make them touch your soles and start exhalation. Now bend and touch your knees with your chin. Relax to come out of the pose.

Surya Bhedi Pranayama

To keep yourself physically active in the chilling winters, you must start practicing Surya Bhedi pranayama as it maintains the flow of energy in the body. There is a particular way of doing Surya Bhedi pranayama. You need to sit in a room on a woolen or straw mat with your neck straight and eyes closed. Then, you need to close your left nostril with your left ring finger. Take a deep breath and inhale the air as much as possible.
Now, shut your right nostril with your left hand thumb. Retain the air for as long as possible. Open your left nostril now and exhale gradually. You need to repeat this exercise at least 10—15 times a day.
There are a number of advantages of doing this pranayama. Firstly, it triggers blood purification and gives sufficient warmth to the body and helps in curing several dermatological and gastrointestinal diseases. It also improves the digestion and voice quality of a person.

Swara Yoga: Higher form of pranayama

The higher intricate form of pranayama is constituted by Swara yoga. If we talk in yogic terms, the word ‘swara’ refers to unobstructed flow of oxygen through one nostril. Swara practice brings the person doing it closer to bliss. The traditional pranayama comprises of gaining hold over breathing by inhalation, retention and exhalation.
However if we talk about Swara yoga, breathing exercises become a bit more difficult. These exercises reach out to all your daily activities such as eating, sleeping, bathing, waking, socializing etc.
The people who succeed in doing Swara yoga are most often able to gain complete hold of their lives. They are able to achieve success in all the spheres of their lives. Eventually, they acquire social, physical and mental well being.
‘Swaras’ occur in three varied forms namely, Ida Nadi, Pingala Nadi and Sushma. The lunar cycle influences these types of swaras. It is difficult to master these swaras but once done, you are sure to be successful in all domains.

Mantras to be recited during pranayama

Isvara Gita is the religious book wherein the mantras that should be recited during pranayama are written. The person who does regular practice of pranayama should repeat Gayatri mantra atleast thrice along with Vyahritis, Siras and Pranaya. All these form the cycle of breathing and help in the regulation of breathing.

Pranayama should always be coupled with mantras as these bestow a divine blessing and you get to see the results fast. Inhalation and exhalation, both should be restrained and regulation of breath is triggered by Pranaya.

Pranayama is often done with constant mantra recitation by Paramhamsa Sannyasins. Ishta mantra should be recited by you. The duration of pranayama should be increased from time to time. After each round of pranayama is over, one should take a break of 5 minutes. Do some normal breaths. Kumbhaka is not there in the exercise. However, the duration and intensity of pranayama should be increased and also recitation of mantras.