Pranayama – 20 Minutes of Breath Control to Better Health Forever

Autopilot system is not just for aircraft. We, humans come equipped with an advanced AutoPilot system as well; far better than any modern aircraft might have. This system takes control of us before our birth and remains in-charge till the end of life.

Known as Autonomic nervous system(ANS), this AutoPilot controls our heart rate, digestion, respiration rate, salivation, perspiration etc. Whereas most actions of ANS are beyond our control, some, such as breathing, can be controlled consciously if we desire so.

We rarely do so.

Day or night, most of our breathing is sub-conscious and is regulated by excess of Carbon dioxide in blood: NOT by our need for Oxygen. As we breathe subconsciously, only to reduce Carbon dioxide – We tend to breathe shallow, just enough to make Carbon dioxide levels tolerable, using less than one third capacity of lungs in this process.

Inadequate Oxygen supply, coupled with day-to-day stress results in numerous bodily complications. Heart diseases, sleep disorders, stomach ulcers and fatigue are some of the common physical affects of Oxygen starvation whereas anger, Lack of concentration and focus are among mental manifestations.

Pranayama = Breath Control

Pranayama is 1 of 8 branches of yoga that deals with conscious control of breath. Pranayama Yoga helps in rejuvenating our body and mind by increasing Oxygen supply to blood stream and through it, to whole body. Swami Ramdev, revered Pranayama teacher from India suggests doing following 7 steps in the given order and time. The whole process should take about 20 minutes every day.

Pranayama should be done only on an empty stomach. A gap of 5 hours after a big meal is advised. Because of these requirements, early morning is the best time for Pranayama, however any other suitable time is equally good if above recommendations are followed.

Seven Steps of Pranayama

1. Bhastrika Pranayama (2 Minutes)
2. Kapalbhati Pranayama (5 minutes)
3. Bahya Pranayama (2 Minutes)
4. Anulom Vilom Pranayama (5 Minutes)
5. Bhramari Pranayama (2 Minute)
6. Udgeeth Pranayama (2 Minutes)
7. Ujjayi Pranayama (2 Minutes)

Who Can Benefit?

Pranayama and Yoga can be practiced by anybody regardless of age. You need not be suffering from an illness to seek benefits of this amazing practice. Regular practice of Pranayama might prevent any illness in future though.

People suffering from chronic conditions like Angina, Diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, Parkinson’s, Chronic renal failure, cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, bronchitis, depression, Anxiety and Panic Attacks and many more conditions can take heart with the fact that Pranayama yoga, when done correctly, regularly and with conviction is known to cure these diseases.

For aircraft’s safety, it is imperative to have an advanced and properly functioning autopilot. However, at times like take-off and landing, a pilot should override the autopilot and control the aircraft with acquired experience and wisdom. Daily practice of pranayama is your way of overriding your autopilot system with acquired knowledge of ages about breathing to keep healthy, happy and safe.

May pranayama bring you health and happiness.