PRANAYAM AND VITAL ENERGY

Pranayam is the process of cleaning and reopening these vital

energy pathways. In the yogic terms, such cleaning is called as
Nadi Shudhi. Nadi means energy pathways and shudhi means
the process of cleaning. The main function of Pranayam is
Nadi-Shudhi. Nadi-Shudhi will lead to adequate supply of vital
energy to all the parts and organs of the body. With the result
all the parts and organs will function with better efficiency. Not
only that, but there will be better coordination between the
various organs. Such situation will create a healthier body and
an efficient mind.
EFFECT OF PRANAYAM ON MIND
Human body is the combination of body and mind. The
physical body can not function without the mind and the mind
can not function without the body. The mind is decision maker
for all the functions of body. It is the mind which takes the
decision to act. Body performs all the actions as per the
decision of the mind. For the better performance one should
have a strong body and a strong mind. Not only that, but there
should be a proper coordination between the two.
Yogic nadis connect mind with the body. As such they work as
the bridge between the mind and the body. All the commands
of the mind are conveyed to the physical body through these
energy pathways. If these pathways are blocked or damaged,
the coordination between the body and the mind will be
disturbed. In such circumstances, all the commands of the
mind may not reach to the body organs, or being not pure and
clear, those orders may be misunderstood or misinterpreted by
the body organs. Once the equilibrium between the mind and
the body is disturbed, the body will not be in position to cope
with the demand of the mind. In such a situation the person
may feel that all his ideas and thoughts cant be put in practice
because his body can not fulfill the demand of the mind. For
better efficiency and capabilities one should have a

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healthy mind, a healthy body, and an efficient coordination

between the two. This can be achieved by the regular practice
of Pranayam.

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PHILOSOPHY OF PRANAYAM
Human body performs two types of actions. One is voluntary
and second is involuntary. Voluntary means those actions
which can be done voluntarily. For example, raising the hand,
walking, and running, speaking, etc. are voluntary actions.
These actions are voluntary, one may do it, or one may not do
it. It all depends upon the persons own volition whether to
perform the act or not to perform the act.
But some of the actions are involuntary. These actions are
regular beating of the heart, the process of respiration, the
process of digestion, liver functions, regular filtration of blood
by kidney etc. These are involuntary actions because it is not
under voluntary control of the person. One can not stop his
heart beating, or digestive process, as per his wish. These
actions are controlled by autonomic nerves system. These
actions are adjusted as per the need of the body.
But there are certain activities which are most of the time
involuntary but it can be made voluntary if desired by the
person. Respiration is such activity. It is involuntary in normal
process but can be made voluntary if desired. The cycle of
respiration goes on functioning without the knowledge of the
person. But if the person likes to change its speed, he can do
it, he can slow it down or he can make it fast, or he can stop it
for short period.
Internal body mechanism is all the time controlled by the
mind. Functions are adjusted as per the bodys need. These
functions of the mind are automatic. But other activity like
thinking process is voluntary. One may choose to think or not
to think. In the same way one can choose to think about any
specific subject. Emotions are partly voluntary and partly
involuntary. At times one can control his emotions, at other
times one can not control his emotions. It is also observed that
mental activities are related with respiration. When a person is

angry or excited, his respiratory movements are fast. But when

his mind is quiet and tranquil, the respiratory movements are

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slow. It is not possible to be angry or excited without raising

respiratory rates. So it is presumed that if one can control his
respiratory movements, then he can control his involuntary
component of the mind. One can keep ones mind cool and calm
by controlling his respiration. The same principal is applied in
the process of Pranayam. In Pranayam one tries to control his
respiratory movements. By which he tries to control his mental
activities. Final aim is to attain a calm and quiet mind. With
the practice of Pranayam, a person gets control over his
respiratory movements. Respiratory movements are made
slower and uniform. Once he gets control over his respiratory
movements, automatically he gets control over his mental
activities. He acquires ability to keep his mind calm and quite
even during the time of stress.
PRANAYAM AND MEDITATION
Calm and quiet mind is the pre-requisite for the process of
meditation. So if Pranayam is performed before meditation, it is
easier to concentrate and thereby to attain a deeper level
during meditation. Meditation is the process of attaining
tranquility and quietude of the mind. Human mind is all the
time busy with various activities. At a time our mind thinks of
multiple subjects. Mind can be busy in either thinking of the
past events or planning for the future. The common mind can
not concentrate on one subject for a longer time. At one
moment it may think about money, at a second moment it may
think about fashionable dress, and at the third moment it may
think about his girl friend and next it may think about
business contacts. With the result the human mind is wasting
most of its energy for trifle matters. If the energy is
concentrated on one subject, it can achieve better results.
Not only that but such wandering mind will not allow the
person to get into deeper meditation. Concentration is the
prerequisite for the process of meditation. Mental
concentration can be achieved only by the practice of

Pranayam.

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PRANAYAM AND SELF REALISATION

Self realization is the ultimate goal of all the yogic practices. As
per the Vedic philosophy our body is having three main
components:
1) Physical body
2) Mind
3) Soul or atman
The physical body is gross in nature. It can
be seen and felt. The body which is made up of bones, muscles,
organs, and skin is called the physical body. Mind is subtle. It
can not be seen but its presence can be felt. It governs all the
parts of the body. The soul or atman is subtler than mind. It
can not be seen and it is also difficult to feel its presence by
ordinary means. It can be called as a nucleus of the live-force.
It is believed to be immortal, unborn, eternal and stable. As per
the Vedic philosophy, being immortal, it can not be destroyed
by any means
At the time of death atman leaves old physical body and enters
into a new physical body. This is known as re-birth. The main
characters of Atman are love, independence, truthfulness and
joy.
The mind is like pure transparent glass. The transparent glass
if kept on red carpet will look red, and if kept on green carpet
will look green. Same way if the mind associates with physical
body, it takes the characters of physical body. With the result it
feels all the pain, sorrow, unhappiness, fear, hatred, ego,
jealousy and other unwanted emotions.
But if the mind associates with Atman, then it takes those
characters like, love, independence, truthfulness and eternal
joy.
Once a person realizes its joyful nature and immortal character
and once the mind merges itself with the Atman; mind grasps
all the characters of the Atman. Then there is no pain or
unhappiness in life. The person then enjoys infinite

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happiness in life. This is the ultimate goal of each follower of

the spiritual path.
As per the opinion of Patanjali, it is not easy for an ordinary
person to realize the self i.e. Atman. This is because of his
ignorance. Only Gnan, absolute knowledge, can uncover the
mystery of Atmic characters. As absolute knowledge is hidden
behind the curtain of ignorance, it is not possible for the
ordinary people to realize the self. This ignorance is known as
Avidya. Atman can not shine with its full light because of
Avidya. As per the opinion of Patanjali, regular practice of
Pranayam can uncover the basic nature of Atman. This may
lead to eternal joy and happiness. In short the effect of
Pranayam is multiple. It effects on all three components of the
human body, i.e. the physical body, the mind, and the Atman.

Effects of Pranayam
1) It keeps the body fit and healthy.
2) It enhances the general resistance power of the body. With the
effect it helps in preventing various diseases.
3) Kapalbhati Pranayam is responsible for Nadi-Shudhi, and
Kumbhak Pranayam is responsible for Chit-Shudhi.
4) Chit-Shudhi helps in de-conditioning of the mind. Deconditioning helps to change an individuals perception for life.
He becomes more rational
5) Pranayam enhances vital force, which in turn enhances mental
capacity.
6) Increased mental capacity helps in building up of selfconfidence. Persons having self-confidence can achieve better
success in life.

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7) It strengthens the ability of concentration. Concentration helps

in analyzing and solving the problems.
8) It strengthens all the basic characters of the mind. Basic
characters of the mind are memory, intelligence, receptivity,
and creativity.
9) It strengthens the will power of the person.
10)

It helps in creating tranquility and calmness of the mind.

8] medical views.
Number of medical personals carried out various studies
regarding effect of Pranayam on body health. It is observed that
regular practice of pranayam can relieve stress related
disorders. It also improves autonomic functions of the body.
Autonomic system of the body maintains good co-ordination
and fine balance between various systems and organs.
Practitioners report that the practice of pranayama develops a
steady mind, strong will-power, and sound judgement, and also
claim that sustained pranayama practice extends life and
enhances perception.

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METHODS OF PRANAYAM
There are more than ten types of Pranayam. But most
commonly used and the most effective are three. These are
Kapalbhati, Bhramari, and Kumbhak pranayams. All the
Pranayams are basically related with the control of the
respiratory movements.
RESPIRATORY CYCLE AND PRANAYAM
It is advisable to know normal respiratory movements before
starting the practice of Pranayam. Normal respiration can be
divided into three main components:
A] Inhalation i.e. incoming of the air.
B] Momentary stoppage of air.
C] Exhalation i.e. outgoing of the air.
In yogic terms the first component is called Purak, the second
component is called Kumbhak, and the third component is
called Rechak. If the movement of air is observed very closely, it
will be seen that as such there are four components:
1) Air going inside (Purak)
2) Air stopping for the moment (Kumbhak)
3) Air coming out (Rechak)
4) Again air movement is stopped for the moment i.e. Kumbhak
and again air going inside.
So the respiratory cycle is like Purak-Kumbhak-RechakKumbhak-Purak. So the component of Kumbhak occurs two
times in one normal respiratory cycle. As such it is difficult to
perceive Kumbhak in a normal cycle. In normal circumstances
the person breathes 15-16 times per minute. So it takes 4
seconds to complete one respiratory cycle. Normally

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spiratory movements are not very deep. At the time of sleep the
respiration is slower. While at the time of physical labor or
mental excitement it becomes faster.
Respiration has direct relationship with the thinking process.
When person is calm and quiet his respiration is slow and
when he is mentally agitated, his respiration is faster. Hence if
a person acquires the control over his respiration (so that it
can be kept slow and uniform) then he can control his thought
process. The ability to control thought process, helps the
person to achieve control over his mind. Once the mind is
controlled, the person can direct his thinking process as per
his own desire. He can control his emotions. He can strengthen
his will power. Such a person can achieve anything in the
world, as he is the master of his mind.
With the practice of Pranayam one can control his respiratory
movements. In Pranayam the length of all the components of
respiration are increased. Ordinarily one respiratory cycle
takes four to five seconds. In Pranayam one cycle may take 30
to 60 seconds. Pranayam means controlled, uniform, and
measured process of respiration.

NORMAL RESPIRATION
One should understand the mechanism of normal respiration
before starting the practice of Pranayam. Respiratory organs
are nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and
alveoli of the lung. There are two lungs in the body. One is on
the right side of the chest and the second on the left side of the
chest. The lungs are like sponge. It expands when filled with air
and contracts when there is no air in the lung. Small

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alveoli are connected with small tubes, which are called bronchioles.
These tubes are connected to form bigger tubes, which finally connects
with the bronchus. The left and right bronchi are joined to form the
trachea. The trachea opens into the larynx. Larynx opens into the
pharynx. This finally opens into the nose. During the process of
inhalation, the air passes through the nose and then to the pharynx,
larynx, trachea, bronchi and finally through the bronchioles to the
alveoli of the lungs. Here the fresh air comes in contact with blood.
The oxygen part of the air is taken away by the blood. And the carbon
dioxide part of the blood is taken away by the air. Air full of carbon
dioxide comes out through the same route during exhalation.