The word Pranayama is made of two words “Pran” and “Aayam”. Pran means a living being that needs oxygen, and Aayam means a continuous process. Therefore, Pranayama is a process of breathing that increases the strength of a living being through a continuous process. Pranayama is the science of breathing. It is a breathing exercise with different patterns/techniques. While doing pranayama, inhale and exhale purposely and hold your breath in a specific sequence. Pranayama is used with other practices like physical postures (asanas) and meditation (dhyana). Longer breath leads to a longer life. Example: Japanese and Tibetan has longer life span because they breathe longer.
Pranayama means strengthening the well-being of a living being through breathing techniques. Living beings are lived because of the breathing, when done properly, you can control everything. There are two most important Pranayama breathing practices: Kapalbhati and Anulombilom.
Kapalbhati
Kapal means skull and Bhati means shining or lustrous. It promotes clarity of mind. While doing Kapalbhati, straighten your back, neck, and chest. Put your hand in Gyan mudra and stay in dhyana asana. Focus on exhaling instantly by pulling the stomach. We do not inhale (the oxygen goes naturally in our body) while doing this pranayama. Exhale instantly at least 40-50 times per minute. It is recommended to do it for at least for 10 minutes.
Precaution: Avoid doing Kapalbhati while just having a solid feast. Wait for 2-3 hours after having food. Do not do it while having menstruation and surgery. Wait for 6 months if you have done any operation. Avoid doing this during the last stage of the ulcer. Do it slowly in the beginning. Thin people should practice it less as it would lead to more weight loss. People with high blood pressure should take advice first.
Benefits: It promotes charm in the face, increases the capacity of the lungs, and removes toxins from the body. It helps to lose fat but do it for at least 15 minutes continuously. It improves blood circulation, purifies the frontal brain, improves digestion metabolism, and helps to cure constipation. To promote mental well-being, it calms the mind, relieves stress/anxiety, and helps to get a sound sleep.
Anulomvilom
It is known as alternate nostril breathing which helps to balance the breathing form from both nostrils, left and right. To start, put a thumb finger in the right nostril, inhale from the left nostril and exhale from the right nostril then, inhale from the same nostril and exhale from the left nostril. Do it repeatedly for 10 minutes. It balances both hot and cold temperatures in the body. It softens skin. It reduces migraine, depression, and anxiety. It also activates the pineal and pituitary glands.
Precaution: Do not try too hard in the beginning by forcefully breathing. There should only be breathing noise rather than any other kind of noise. A proper position straightening the back is required to do this pranayama. Pregnant women and cardiac blood pressure patients should not hold their breath while doing this pranayama, just inhale and exhale.
Benefits: It increases focus and memory strength. It helps to open blocked nostrils, strengthens lung or respiratory capacity, and fights back cardiovascular disease. With better oxygen supply, helps to remove migraines, improve patience and control, and relieve stress and anxiety. Moreover, it strengthens eyesight and glows the skin.