Part 1- Scientific reasoning as to how pranayam cures all the imbalances and detoxifies the body
Part 2. Method of practising pranayam
Part 1-Pran- Nanotechnology in Medical Science
Nano technology is the synthesis and application of ideas from science and engineering for the conceptualization and production of novel materials and devices of extremely small sizes. The prefix nano means one billionth (10-9) and nanotechnology deals with sizes of nanometer (nm),usually less than 100nm. The smallest part in the human body is a blood cell which is approximately 2000nm in length , although bacteria are around 200nm. So from a physical point of view it may seem that this technology has nothing to do with human body and medical science. But the body is not merely physical, it has non-physical aspects like consciousness and mind that all depend on the vital force- Pran ; life cannot exist without it. Pran is synonymous with breathing which requires oxygen and in that sense oxygen and Pran can be considered equivalent. Oxygen is a physical quantity and the dimensions of its molecule are in the range covered by nanotechnology. It is a component of air that plays an essential role in all chemical and metabolic processes in the body. Thus, oxygen can be used as a nano element in regulating the processes going on in the body.
This is exactly what Swami Ramdevji has done and actively used Pran at nano level through exercise like Pranayam. The nano technology approach is far more effective and it has been even used for making artificial bones that are as strong as steel and much lighter. This is done by manipulating molecules on surfaces. It has been found that if through different Pranayams oxygen intake into the body is manipulated, serious diseases such as heart ailments , angine , rheumatism and many others can be successfully treated. This process has also helped in maintaining excellent over health.
The entire universe has been created by a combination of the basic elements – earth, fire, air , water and space ; but there is one another element that is present in all these five (and hence everywhere) and that is oxygen. Earth contains oxygen , nitrogen and carbon dioxide; water-oxygen and hydrogen ; fire-oxygen and carbon; air-oxygen , nitrogen and carbon dioxide ; water –oxygen and hydrogen. Space is the container for the mobility of all air elements along with oxygen. Oxygen has an important role in creation and structure of every cell and every part of the human body. The five basic constituents of the body are blood , flesh, bone ,marrow and semen; they all contain oxygen which is also the main element in hormones and various chemicals in the body. In fact, it is the element that sustains life in all living organisms in the universe.
Science led to the green revolution by discovering the role of nitrogen , hydrogen , carbon and other elements. They are being used to make various devices including bombs. In medical science, oxygen has been used for emergency treatment. It is not far fetched to believe that soon we will be using Pran element for treating all diseases. Semen and egg (from ovaries ) are the main entities for the initiation of the body formation;oxygen is the main element that gives mobility to sperms and nourishes the egg. The physical body is called Annamay Kosh or the food sheath. Anna (grain )stands for food and again oxygen in present in it along with other constituents. The main things in bread , vegetables, fruits ,milk etc that provide nourishment to the body are carbohydrates , proteins, fats , minerals and vitamins. Although in the universe as well as the human body , there are other elements like carbon , nitrogen and hydrogen in the body made of five elements mentioned above .
The smallest unit in the body is a cell ; its nucleus is its brain and mitochondria are where energy id generated .In both of these the motion and its propelling force come from oxygen. The life yagya that is going on in the body and is called metabolism is fueled only by oxygen. The generation of energy in every cell of the body occurs because of oxygen and n is concluded successfully , the body does not function properly internally as well as externally. Oxygen is the main contributor in the creation and decay of the cells and for the storage of energy in them.
Oxygen plays the main vital role in preventing the destructive processes in the body and enhancing constructive and aquisitional processed. Today the serious conflicts is occurring in the body because of the lack of exercise , stress , improper diet ,irregular routine and unrestrained life give rise to imbalance of the three humours (vata – wind , bile and cough ) which is called metabolic syndrome in medical terms and occurs because of the improper functioning of anabolism. Vata is anabolism , pitta is metabolism and cough the result of these two is catabolism. This imbalance causes depression which leads to high blood pressure , diabetes , obesity ,heart ailments , indigestion, insomnia and even cancer.
The inquity of the humours , improper functioning of the digestive process , imbalanace of the basic body elements ,accumulation of excrement and unhappiness of the mind and soul have become the cause of the unhealthiness. This has caused the imbalance of hormones and chemicals.
Each and every cell of our body is the prototype and has the capability of producing our own double. Experiments with pranayam on millions of people done so far lead to the conclusion that it is possible to be disease free by providing an optimum amount of oxygen to the body parts ranging from the cells to organs through these exercises accompanied by positive thinking. Pranayam is nothing but oxygenating blood , internal exercise and positive life style. We provide optimum oxygen to the blood cells through bhastrika and anulom vilom pranayams; kapalbhati is a scientific way of giving mobility and energy flow to the internal parts of the body; with bhramari and udgeet we begin to have a healthy and worry free life by awakening feelings of reverential faith, surrender , trust and an urge for positive thinking.
In this presumption oxygen is the basis for all the processes. Curiously at birth itself we took a deep breath in the guise of crying that initiated all the internal functions with the awakening of our mind. The oxygen inhaled through pranayam and all internal exercises scientifically accomplished by it act as self healer for the body.
Pranayam is a self medicine and self treatment that do away with the need for surgical intervention for joints and spine problems , and even for heart diseases. We then realize that pranayam is a unique science. It keeps the level of anabolism high and that of catabolism low in the body; this retards the aging processes preventing untimely old age and giving a prolonged life.
On the basis of scientific results of pranayam experiments we can say that when pran that is oxygen element is fed into the body by certain method at a definite time in a definite amount with proper thinking, positive changes occur automatically and pran starts acting like a complete medicine.
This is the essence of Yog science and of perfect health that is the basis of a healthy , prosperous and sensitive life of an individual and even of a nation
Part 2 Method Of Practising Pranayama:
Pranayama is an aspect of Yoga that deals with breathing. Pranayama is a method of controlling prana or life force through the regulation of breathing. It is the breathing process or the control of the motion of inhalation, exhalation and the retention of vital energy. ( Swami Ramdev's)
Bhastrika Pranayam:
Procedure: Take deep breaths and then completely breathe out.
Detailed Procedure:
Sit in a comfortable Asana. Breathe in through both the nostrils forcefully, till the lungs are full and diaphragm is stretched. Then breathe out forcefully also, but see that the abdominal cavity does not blow up due to the air breathed in. Depending upon the capacity and health of an individual, this Pranayama can be done in three variable speeds viz. slow speed, moderate speed and at high speed. Individuals with weak lungs and heart should do this at a slow speed while performing Recak and Puraka A healthy individual and one used to doing it, should do it initially at a slow speed and then gradually increase the speed to moderate and then high.
Duration: 2 mins atleast. 5 mins max.
Benefits: Diseases like cold, cough, allergy, asthma, respiratory diseases of all kinds, are cured. Lungs become strong and due to the heart and head getting adequate quantity of pure and fresh air, health is improved.
• Diseases of the throat like thyroid, tonsils and other ailments of throat are cured
• This Pranayama brings about a proper balance of the three Doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and maintains their balance. Blood is purified and the body gets rid of foreign objects and toxins.
• Stabilizes Prana and calms mind, and helps the upward journey
Special Notes:
• Those suffering from high blood pressure or from any heart disease should not do this Pranayama.
• While breathing in the abdominal area should not blow up. You have to fill the air in the chest area, i.e. up to diaphragm, so that the part of the chest with its ribs swells.
• In summer season, reduce the number of repetitions of this Pranayama.
• One must do this Pranayama for the duration of three to five minutes every day.
1. Kapal Bhati Pranayam:
Procedure: Push air forcefully out. Stomach will itself go in.
Detailed Procedure:
‘Kapal’ means forehead and ‘Bhati’ means light. Hence, Kapal-Bhati refers to that exercise which makes the forehead luminous and lustrous. Kapal-Bhati Pranayama makes its Sadhak’s head luminous. This Pranayama is a little different from Bhastrika Pranayama. In Bhastrika Pranayama, Puraka and Recak are done with the same amount of force, where as in Kapal-Bhati more attention is to be given to the act of forceful Recak. In Kapal-Bhati, the Puraka is to be done with normal, usual force but the Recak has to be done with as much of force as is at your command. In doing so, the abdominal area, also makes inward and outward movements and considerable force is applied to the Manipura,Svadhisthana and Muladhara Chakra. This Pranayama should easily be done for five minutes. In short, breathe in normally and breathe out forcefully, so as to influence the organs of the abdominal area. Persons suffering from acute and chronic diseases must practice if for 15 minutes or more as per the capability.
Duration: Start with 30 times or 1 min. increase up to 5 mins min. up to 10 mins max.
Benefits:
• Face become Lustrous and attractive.
• Diseases related to Kapha like asthma, respiratory troubles, allergies, sinus, etc. are cured.
• Diseases of heart, lungs and brain get cured. Obesity, diabetes, flatulence, constipation, acidity and diseases pertaining to kidneys and prostate glands etc. are cured.
• If done regularly for five minutes daily, it relieves constipation, Blood sugar becomes normal and weight in the abdominal region reduces considerably. Blockages in the arteries are also cleared.
• Peace and stability of mind are achieved. No negative thoughts occur. Troubles like depression are cured.
• Chakras are purified and ¡¡chakras from Muladhar-Chakra to Sahsrar Chakra are filled with pious Cosmic Energy.
• Organs in the abdominal cavity viz. stomach, pancreas, liver, spleen, intestine, prostrate and kidney function more efficiently and develop immunity towards diseases. This is the best exercise; benefits accrued by this cannot be obtained by several other asanas. It strengthens the intestines and improves digestion.
Special Notes:
• Heart and high BP patients, and weak people do it slowly.
• Swamiji says "dharti ki sanjivini hai kapal-bhati pranayam" and that it "cures all diseases of world".
2. Baharya Pranayam:
Procedure: Breathe air out, touch chin to chest, squeeze stomach completely and hold for a while. then release chin, breathe in slowly.
Duration: 3 times to 5 times normally. max up to 11 times. and extremely max up to 21 times (in winters).
Benefits:
• stomach (udar), hernia, urinal, uterus
Special Notes:
• not for heart and high BP patients
3. Anulom Vilom Pranayam:
Procedure: Hold your right nasal with thumb, breathe in from left. Now open right nasal and close left nasal with middle and ring finger and breathe out from right nasal. Now breathe in from right nasal. Now close right nasal and open left and breathe out and in from left nasal so on.
Detailed Procedure:
Prana breathed in through left nostril represents energy of the moon, which symbolizes peace, and has a cooling effect. Hence for purification of Nadis, beginning of this Pranayama has to be made by the left nostril. Close the right side nostril with the right hand thumb. Inhale slowly through the left nostril till the lungs are filled. Then close the left nostril with the second and third fingers. Open the right nostril and exhale through it. Repeat this exercise slowly in the beginning, and with practice, increase the speed. When you are able to practice this exercise for a long time, inhale with as much force as is possible for you, then exhale also forcefully. This practice of inhalation and exhalation alternatively through the right and left nostril, as indicated above with force, should be done for 3 minutes. If you feel tired, rest for sometimes and resume. Regular practice will enable you to do this Pranayama for 10 minutes. After some practice being established, this Pranayama should be done for 5 to 10 minutes daily, depending upon one’s capacity. However, in summer season it should be done for duration starting from 3 minutes and up to a maximum of 5 minutes. If you practice this Pranayama for five minutes regularly on a daily basis, the coiled energy called Kundalini Shakti lying in the Muladhar Chakra begins to
awaken. This is known as Kundalini Jagran.. While doing this Pranayama, mentally repeat the mantra “OM” so the mind becomes fit for meditation.
Duration: at least 10 mins.
Benefits:
• Regular practice of this Pranayama has the capacity of cleansing all your innumerable Nadis, which makes the body healthy lustrous and strong.
• Blockages in the arteries of the heart are removed and the arteries become clean, making the circulation unimpeded. If this Pranayama is practiced for 3 or 4 months regularly, 30 to 40% of blockages in the arteries are dissolved and removed, preventing the phenomenon of heart attack.
• Pathogenic cholesterol, triglycerides, H.D.L. and L.D.L. also get controlled, making the arterial channels clear for effective and unimpeded flow of blood in the heart.
• Negative thinking is replaced by positive approach to life. It increases enthusiasm and spirit, the Sadhak becomes fearless and feels blissful.
Special Notes:
• Breathe into lungs not to stomach. No organ in stomach absorbs oxygen.
• Do not hurry. Do it slowly.
• Rest whenever needed (in any pranayam).
4. Bhramri Pranayam:
Procedure: Close ears with thumb, index finger on forehead, and rest three on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.
Detailed Procedure:
Breathe in till your lungs are full of air. Close your ears with both the thumbs and eyes with the middle fingers of your hands on respective sides with little pressure. Press forehead with both the index fingers lightly. Close both the eyes. Then press eyes and nose bridge from the sides with the remaining fingers. Concentrate your mind on Ajna Chakra (between eye-brows) . Close your mouth. Begin slowly exhaling, making humming sound of a bee, while reciting “OM” mentally. Repeat the exercise 11 to 21 times according to your capacity
Duration: 10 mins
Benefits:
• With the practice of this Pranayama the mind becomes steady. It is beneficial in conditions like mental tension, agitation, high blood pressure, heart disease etc. It is also useful for meditation.
5. Udgeeth Pranayam:
Procedure: Breathe in deeply, and chant 'Om'kar. OOOOOOm (long O and small m)
Detailed Procedure:
After performance of the six Pranayamas mentioned here above concentrate your mind on the respiration and meditate on the sacred mantra “OM”. God has fashioned the shape of our brows like OM. This body and the universal cosmic body are filled with this mantra. It is not the figure or expression of any individual thing, but it is divine energy, which regulates the entire functioning of the universe. With every act of breathing in and breathing out, mentally go on repeating the mantra “OM”. The speed of respiration should be so slow and subtle that you yourself also may not be aware of its sound, even if a piece of cotton is placed in front of the nostril it should not move by the effect of the air exhaled out. Slowly practice and make the duration of one inhalation and exhalation to one minute. Likewise, try to visualize the breath inside the body. Initially the breath can be felt only in the nostrils but gradually it will be felt deep inside. In this way, visualizing the breath and continuous chanting of ‘OM’ will lead to Dhyana automatically. Your mind will develop a feeling of concentration and your body will be filled with the feeling of OM. The Gayatri Mantra from the Vedas can also be chanted meaningfully along with Pranayama. This way the Sadhaka can attain the joyful stage of Samadhi by going through the various visualizations of god and supreme powers. Also if this is practiced at bedtime, one will get peaceful sleep without any perverted dreams etc.
Duration: 10 mins or more
Benefits: meditation
For visual demonstration please watch the video in the following link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SBHN-qdVN8
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