Things to remember before practicing Pranayama
Pranayama is composed of words prana (vital energy) and yama (control). Pranayama is the yogic way of breathing. This technique of breathing is developed by great Hindu yogis to attain salvation, but it is not only meant for salvation, doing pranayama brings many physical and mental benefits. It can be used to attain success in all aspects of life and to remain fit and fine.
First thing is if you are willing to practice pranayama to improve health you must stop smoking.
Pranayama is composed of words prana (vital energy) and yama (control). Pranayama is the yogic way of breathing. This technique of breathing is developed by great Hindu yogis to attain salvation, but it is not only meant for salvation, doing pranayama brings many physical and mental benefits. It can be used to attain success in all aspects of life and to remain fit and fine.
First thing is if you are willing to practice pranayama to improve health you must stop smoking.
Asana or Seat and place
Sit on Paddmasana, sukhasana, siddhasana, swastikasana or any meditation posture. Sit on a comfortable blanket or cloth. These are auspicious and helpful in concentration. Keep your back and neck erect in one straight line. Try practicing pranayama in same place. The place should be clean, dust free, smoke free, free from bad smell, free from wastes. Try to make a devotional feel by placing your ishtadevata photo, try not using this place for other purposes.
Sit on Paddmasana, sukhasana, siddhasana, swastikasana or any meditation posture. Sit on a comfortable blanket or cloth. These are auspicious and helpful in concentration. Keep your back and neck erect in one straight line. Try practicing pranayama in same place. The place should be clean, dust free, smoke free, free from bad smell, free from wastes. Try to make a devotional feel by placing your ishtadevata photo, try not using this place for other purposes.
Should follow
Do pranayama after physical exercises or Yoga, this will make the body more flexible. After pranayama meditation should be practiced. Number of cycles can be increased in cold climate conditions than in hot conditions. Don’t put pressure to the lungs, do kumbhak (hold breath) till you feel comfortable only, or it will cause problems to lungs. Smoking and drinking must be avoided. Try practicing yoga after bath or take bath after half an hour. Pranayama should be practiced with empty stomach, at least 3hrs after food and food should be taken after 30min after pranayama. People who suffer from Asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, and hyper tension should only practice pranayama with the help of a yoga teacher. Avoid tight dresses. Make yourself feel comfortable and relaxed before practicing pranayama. Avoid doing it if you feel problems with nose. Stop and start is not appreciated, if you want to get full benefits, should practice regularly for a long time. Sex control is an essential to acquire the full benefits of pranayama.
Do pranayama after physical exercises or Yoga, this will make the body more flexible. After pranayama meditation should be practiced. Number of cycles can be increased in cold climate conditions than in hot conditions. Don’t put pressure to the lungs, do kumbhak (hold breath) till you feel comfortable only, or it will cause problems to lungs. Smoking and drinking must be avoided. Try practicing yoga after bath or take bath after half an hour. Pranayama should be practiced with empty stomach, at least 3hrs after food and food should be taken after 30min after pranayama. People who suffer from Asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, and hyper tension should only practice pranayama with the help of a yoga teacher. Avoid tight dresses. Make yourself feel comfortable and relaxed before practicing pranayama. Avoid doing it if you feel problems with nose. Stop and start is not appreciated, if you want to get full benefits, should practice regularly for a long time. Sex control is an essential to acquire the full benefits of pranayama.
Better not practice bhastrika and suryabhedi pranayamas at hot conditions because these pranayamas will increase body heat. Chandrabhedi, sheetali, sheetkari, all should be avoided at cold climate conditions because these will further reduce body heat. Better practice pranayama early in the morning, in cold climate conditions do at afternoon and evening. Try to refer texts like Haddayogapradepika, kherandasamhita etc to see more about. Precautions, practice, benefits etc.