Pranayama and Ayurveda
'Breathing exercises, called 'pranayama,' are a yogic healing technique that can bring about an extraordinary balance in the consciousness. In practicing pranayama one experiences Pure Being and learns the true meaning of peace and love. Pranayama has many healing benefits and also affects creativity. It can bring joy and bliss into life.
'As with yoga, there are different types of pranayama. Ayurveda indicates which exercises are suitable for the different constitutional types. A person of 'pitta' constitution should perform left nostril breathing. For this exercise, inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right, using thumb and middle finger to close and open alternate nostrils. This exercise creates a cooling effect in the body by enhancing female energy.
'A person of 'kapha' constitution should do right nostril breathing, inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. This exercise creates a heating effect in the body by stimulating male energy.
'A person of 'vata' constitution should perform alternate nostril breathing. As vata is an active force, alternate nostril breathing brings balance.
'One who is obese should perform the yogic breathing exercise called the 'breath of fire.' This exercise is done by sitting in a comfortable position, taking a deep breath and exhaling quickly and forcefully through the nose. Inhalation will happen naturally after each exhalation. This exercise aids in the metabolizing of fat. It should be performed for one full minute followed by one minute of rest and then another minute of breathing exercise for a total of five minutes. This exercise is the equivalent of running two miles...
'Pranayama cleanses the lungs, heart and other organs and purifies the 'nadis' which are pranic currents of energy in the body. Unless pranayama is performed carefully and systematically, it will create disorders in these delicate organs. Pranayama can cure disease when it is executed correctly; however, it will create disease if it is done improperly. The reader should not begin pranayama without the guidance of an individual who has experience in this yogic system of healing.'
- Dr, Vasant Lad, from his book, 'Ayurveda: the Science of Self-Healing.'
'As with yoga, there are different types of pranayama. Ayurveda indicates which exercises are suitable for the different constitutional types. A person of 'pitta' constitution should perform left nostril breathing. For this exercise, inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right, using thumb and middle finger to close and open alternate nostrils. This exercise creates a cooling effect in the body by enhancing female energy.
'A person of 'kapha' constitution should do right nostril breathing, inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. This exercise creates a heating effect in the body by stimulating male energy.
'A person of 'vata' constitution should perform alternate nostril breathing. As vata is an active force, alternate nostril breathing brings balance.
'One who is obese should perform the yogic breathing exercise called the 'breath of fire.' This exercise is done by sitting in a comfortable position, taking a deep breath and exhaling quickly and forcefully through the nose. Inhalation will happen naturally after each exhalation. This exercise aids in the metabolizing of fat. It should be performed for one full minute followed by one minute of rest and then another minute of breathing exercise for a total of five minutes. This exercise is the equivalent of running two miles...
'Pranayama cleanses the lungs, heart and other organs and purifies the 'nadis' which are pranic currents of energy in the body. Unless pranayama is performed carefully and systematically, it will create disorders in these delicate organs. Pranayama can cure disease when it is executed correctly; however, it will create disease if it is done improperly. The reader should not begin pranayama without the guidance of an individual who has experience in this yogic system of healing.'
- Dr, Vasant Lad, from his book, 'Ayurveda: the Science of Self-Healing.'