Pranayama is a type of yoga that focuses on breathing. The type of breathing used in pranayama is called ujjayi. Prana is an ancient concept based on breath control, which is reported to have many benefits. Regular yoga practice can improve your mental and physical health, especially when combined with pranayama.
Technique
Ujjayi breathing is the technique used in pranayama. To learn this technique, first take long, slow breaths, inhaling through your nostrils. Try to make inhalations and exhalations equal in length. To make the appropriate sound, try to hollow out the sound of your breath. Make the "ah" sound, as though you are trying to fog up a mirror. This breathing pattern should be relaxed and gentle, not tense.
Mental Focus
The practice of pranayama yoga helps to focus your mind and increase your concentration. The breathing practices create mental discipline, which in turn sharpens your focus. Pranayama breathing is similar to meditation, which means a pranayama practice may provide the same blood pressure lowering benefits of meditation.
Pain Relief
Regular yoga practice such as pranayama can provide relief from conditions that cause chronic pain. Some of the conditions that may be relieved by yoga include arthritis, fibromyalgia and headaches. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, yoga also relieves stress and anxiety.
Blood Circulation
The specific practice of pranayama yoga can improve your blood circulation. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that pranayama breath work increases the amount of oxygen in your brain and body. Pranayama decreases the amount of oxygen your body uses by helping you breathe more efficiently. This can improve your energy levels and increase lung capacity.
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