Many researchers have found pranayama to be beneficial in treating stress-related disorders. It decreases the effect of stress and strain on the body by shifting the balance of the autonomic system predominantly toward the parasympathetic system and improves the physical and mental health. Shallow breathing replenishes air only at the base of the lungs in contrast to deep breathing that replenishes the air in all parts of the lung.
Slow and deep breathing is efficient as it reduces the ventilation in the dead space of the lungs. Furthermore, pranayama has a variable effect on cardiac and pulmonary function parameters. Studies report that slow and fast types of pranayama have different physiological effects in healthy subjects. The physiological effects produced vary on the type of pranayama performed. These three phases can be practiced in either slow or fast manner. It consists of three phases: “Purak (inhalation), Kumbhaka (retention), and Rechak (exhalation).
There are different methods of pranayama varying from single nostril breathing to alternate nostril breathing. It also helps in the attainment of relaxation, inner peace, and clarity of mind. The great Indian seer Patanjali belonging to 200 BC with his in-depth understanding and vast knowledge of yoga has defined pranayama as a “regulation of the incoming and outgoing flow with retention of breath.” Conscious guiding of breath gives rise to an increase in vitality, physical detoxification as well as an improvement in immunity. The science of pranayama deals with the monitoring and enrichment of this universal energy, which results in a relaxed but alert state of mind. Prana, as mentioned in vedic scriptures, is the universal cosmic energy. Pranayama is the control of prana through the breath. Pranayama is a Sanskrit word meaning “extension of life force.” “Prana” means life force which is the breath we inspire and “ayama” means to regulate or lengthen. Pranayama is the fourth limb of Ashtanga yoga out of a total of eight limbs mentioned by Patanjali. The purpose of yoga is to improve the physical and psychological health and bring about an inner harmony. Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline that includes different practices.
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