PRANAYAM
(Breathing Exercise)
Pranayam was discoursed to Mataa Parvatiji by Lord Shiva on her request for the benefit of mankind. He opined that if a person performs this breathing exercise correctly he will enjoy “Artha, Dharma, Kama and Moksha”. One can have mastery over the “PANCH TATTWA” and can defeat all the diseases and adversaries. The doer will enjoy perfect health and will have command on the Five Elements. He will be a Yogi.
Breathing exercise is easy to perform, but should be done correctly. Breathing exercise is done through the two nostrils, wind pipe and the lungs.
THE THREE NADIS: THREE DIVISIONS OF CNS
The three Nadis are known as:
- Ida
- Pingla
- Sushmna
| Nostril | Right | Both | Left |
| Nadis | Pingla | Sushmna | Ida |
| Planets | Sun | | Moon |
| Energy | Hot | | Cold |
| Power | Dry | | Moist |
| Hora | Day | | Night |
| Sex | Male | | Female |
| Rivers | Yamuna | Sarswati | |
| Body | Body | Brain | Mind |
| Germ layers | Mesomorphic | | Endomorphic |
| Metabolism | Catabolic | Assimilation | Anabolic |
| ANS | Sympathetic | CNS | Parasympathetic |
| Food | Wheat | | Rice |
| Metals | Gold | | Silver |
| FUNCTION | MOTOR | AFFERENT | ASSOCIATION |
| | FIRE | AIR | WATER/ EARTH |
| | Copper | | Iron |
Breathing is done in three stages- we breathe in oxygen (Pran Vayu), retain it for a few seconds when Oxygen is taken in through Red Blood Cells and Carbon Dioxide is breathed out by expiration. In normal condition inspiration is twice of expiration. When you suffer from cold group of diseases expiration becomes prolonged and duration may be more than that of inspiration.
Explanations:
- Sun is hot, energy giver, life force, male figure, husband, dispels darkness and reveals truth.
- Moon is cold, nourishes, mind force, female figure, wife, peace and LOVE.
- A balance of both gives the third energy Saraswati – WISDOM.
- If you are suffering from HOT group of diseases like High Blood Pressure, Angina, Anxiety, Anger etc. breathe through LEFT nostril (Moon) and breathe out through right nostril only. In a short span you will appreciate the benefit. It is like mixing COLD water in hot water as you prepare your bath in cold winter.
- If you are suffering from COLD group of diseases like Cold & cough, excess of Acidity, water & salt retention (Oedema), Asthma, Low BP etc. breathe through RIGHT nostril (Sun) and breathe out through left nostril only. In a short span you will appreciate the benefit. It is like taking HOT drinks (Tea, Coffee) when you suffer from cold.
- Breathing in through Right nostril and breathing out through Left nostril will give you Sun > Moon result. Strength to Left brain (Active/ Male).
- breathing through Left nostril and breathing out through Right nostril will give you Moon > Sun result. Strength to Right brain (Passive/ Female).
N.B. - It is easy to perform. You can do it anytime and anywhere. But you must do it correctly considering your health status and your Body-Mind Type. Otherwise it may be harmful. You will be surprised these four types of breathing is done by your body without your knowledge as per the states of the FIVE ELEMENTS to maintain balance and to create harmony. This is through your Autonomic Nervous System, which is automatic, ordinary man (except YOGI) has no control over it.
Most of You are doing it on advice of Yoga Gurus. Please do it scientifically and correctly.
Other benefits of PRANAYAM you can learn from the book “Shiv Shwaroday”.
