An Introduction to Breathwork in Kundalini Yoga
What is Pranayama?
Pranayama is one of the core elements of Kundalini Yoga. It is the name given to a variety of deep and relaxing breathwork techniques which we undertake during sessions. Prana is defined as “life force energy”, with yama meaning “control” or “restraint”. In practice, it means slowing your breath and learning to control this system completely.
Yogi Bhajan best described this element of the practice as a way in which we go about “purifying the blood”, “circulating the oxygen” and also “purifying the circulatory system”. Pranayama can aid you in combating erratic breathing and thought patterns, which will hinder your connectedness.
“Your every action is being reported with your prana in and out. When the breath comes in, it energizes you; when it goes out, it takes a mental picture of you and loads it into the master computer.”
– Yogi Bhajan
Physical and Mental Changes
Your breathing and your mind are intrinsically linked. To understand the immense impact that pranayama can have on your mindset, you must first accept that fact. The principles of this practice dictate that the slower your breath, the more control you may yield over your mind. On average, people tend to breathe at around 16 breaths per minute. By slowing this system down immensely, you can regain the control you may lack.
Should you find it hard to calm your mind and slow down your thoughts, engaging in the prana practice will help. The breath and mind connection is undeniable and must be harnessed as a part of the practice you do. Once you have slowed your breaths, you will notice a wave of relaxation wash over you and take control. Your mind is focused on one thought at a time and you are connected to the world around you.
Why is Pranayama So Important?
Shallow breathing is highly common in the modern world. Stress and anxiety run wild in contemporary culture, which is why so many people find that they are not breathing correctly. While there is an undoubtedly spiritual side to pranayama, it also helps to support many of the physical systems within the human body.
Learning the art of prana allows us to activate our “relaxation response” which curbs the effects that stress may have. You may experience feelings of calmness, joy, and control when you first begin to engage in this practice. When it comes to your Kundalini yoga practice, this type of breathing is a fundamental skill. Developing it at every opportunity will increase your capacity to meditate and recharge.
PRANAYAMA
The Benefits
When you embark on your journey into higher consciousness, it’s important that you understand the effect your practice has upon you. Pranayama offers us the chance to become more connected to ourselves and those around us, while also paving the way toward a healthier lifestyle. When we begin to master prana, we can expect to experience a wealth of advantages within our lives. Let’s take a moment to consider those benefits:
1. Enhanced brain ability
2. Combats effects of stress
3. Improved breathing functions
4. Supports heart health
5. Helps aid relaxation
6. Pain relief
7. Focuses the mind
1. Enhanced brain ability
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of pranayama – or diaphragmatic breathing – is that it can help to enhance your cognitive ability. Research suggests that this type of breathing pattern can help to boost a person’s concentration levels and brain power.
2. Combats effects of stress
Are you feeling stressed out or worried? If so, taking up the pranayama practice could be the key to enhancing your overall wellness. Research has linked this type of breathing pattern to less negative effects of stress. That means that taking up the activity could prevent you from coming up against some of the physiological and mental side effects.
3. Improved breathing functions
At its core, pranayama means slowing down your breathing rate and focusing your energy on the breaths you take. Studies have shown that slowing down your breathing can have a strikingly positive impact on the respiratory functions in your body. Put simply, that means that learning the art of this practice could enhance the way in which you breathe.
4. Supports heart health
Having a healthy heart is the foundation of your overall wellness. While your nutrition and exercise routine can have an impact on your cardiovascular health, you must not overlook the role that breathing plays. Research suggests that slowing down your breathing could improve the function of your heart system in a significant way.
5. Helps aid relaxation
Should you lead an overly busy life, finding the time to simply switch off and relax may be a real struggle. Pranayama means taking things a little more slowly and making some time in which to unwind. Slowing your breathing could help you to relax in a deep, intense way.
6. Pain relief
Pranayama may also yield some striking pain relief benefits. Research suggests that deep breathing exercises, much like those undertaken in prana, could help individuals lessen their pain levels. Should you find that you’re experiencing low levels of physical pain, adopting the practice could be the secret to battling it.
7. Focuses the mind
When practicing Kundalini Yoga, focusing and taking control of the mind is an essential skill we must learn. Slowing our breathing allows us to regain power over our bodies and take the reigns. Prana means that we are able to focus our minds and enter a state of meditative bliss with nothing short of ease.
“The knowledge of your prana is your knowledge of your guidance.
You should be grateful and graceful for every breath.”– Yogi Bhajan
Different Types of Pranayama Techniques
Before you begin your pranayama training, you must first understand that there is a variety of different techniques here. Each method unlocks a different state of consciousness and has a varying effect on your overall well-being. In short, the breathing method which you choose will dictate the outcome you gain.
Now that you understand the importance of pranayama and the role it plays in Kundalini Yoga, it’s worth learning about the most common types of the practice out there. While it may appear to be a lot of information at the start, remember that you only need to master one technique at a time. Here’s what you need to know about each method.
