Pranayama for Healthy Life

Prānāyāma is a type of Yoga in which the main focus lies on the inhalation and exhalation. A person doing Prānāyāma will have an increased rate of concentration during the act and also after doing the act.
The benefits of doing Prānāyāma include :
a. Quicker healing after surgeries- Bhrāmari Prānāyāma
b. Cures throat issues- Bhramari Prānāyāma
c. Cooling of body and mind- Sheetali & Seetkari Prānāyāmas
d. Cures diseases related to the 4 humours- Bhastrikā Prānāyāma
e. Remove Sleepiness- Kapālbhāti Prānāyāma
f. Reduction of excitement- Sheetali & Seetkari Prānāyāmas
g. Increase of oxygen content in the body- Anūlom-Vilōm Prānāyāma
h. Heating of the body- Ujjayī Prānāyāma
i. Removing distractions- Moorchha Prānāyāma
j. Boosting work efficiency- Surya Bheda Prānāyāma

Let us discuss about a few types of Prānāyāmas
1. Bhrāmari Prānāyāma ( Humming bee Breath)

This type of Prāmāyām is done by closing our ears and eyes. Our thumbs close our ears and the fingers are put on top of our closed eyes. This is the set-up position.
From here, we deeply Inhale and chant Om by our throat.
As a result, our entire body is covered in vibrations and we hear a muffled sound similar to a buzzing bee.
This should not be performed if there is an infection in the ear. Those with Heart problems should not retain their breath whilst practicing.
This relieves stress and cerebral tensions, alleviating anger insomnia and anxiety. It is an effective way to speed up body tissue healing after surgeries.

2. Sheetali Prānāyāma

In order to do this exercise, the tongue is rolled into a tube – like structure. Breath is taken through this ‘tube’ and exhaled via the nostrils.
This should not be done in a cold or polluted place. People with Low blood pressure, or respiratory disorders should refrain from practicing this.
Sheetali cools the body and mind. Brain centres with biological drives and temperature regulation are affected. It can tranquilize people. It can control hunger and thirst. It reduces an acid stomach and low blood pressure.

3. Seetkari Prānāyāma

This is done by putting our layers of teeth on top of the other exposing them. After this, air is taken in by the mouth and released by the nostrils.
This should not be done in cold or polluted places. People with Dentures, Sensitive teeth or missing teeth should practice Sheetali.
Benefits are same for Sheetali, with the addition o healthy Teeth and Gums.

4. Bhastrikā Prānāyāma
This is done by expanding our hands upwards and inhaling when doing so. We exhale when we bring our hands downwards.
People who suffer from high blood pressure, heart disorders, Epilepsy, Vertigo, Gastric ulcers, and Hernia should not practice.
It cures ailments related to the Humours and wind. Toxins are burnt up and heat is produced. Carbon dioxide in the lungs is reduced.
5. Kapālbhāti Prānāyāma

Air is inhaled and almost instantly exhaled with force by and abdominal contraction. Then the abdomen is expanded. Air should come in normally. This is like a dropper.
Those suffering from Vertigo, high blood pressure, Hernia, Epilepsy gastric ulcers and strokes should not practice this.
It removes sensory distractions and energise the mind. It can cleanse the lungs similar to Bhastrikā.

6. Anūlom-Vilōm Prānāyāma
The right nostril is closed and the left nostril inhales the air slowly, filling up the lungs. Then both of the nostrils are closed and the right nostril is released when there is a pressure. Then the right nostril fully fills up the lungs and is closed. The left nostril is opened when there is pressure to exhale slowly and inhale again.
It should not be practised after meals.
It increases content of oxygen in the blood and improves concentration.