Nithya Chaithanya Kalari

NC Kalari Yoga and Meditation Practice Kendra Section

Pranayaam - Breath/Vital Force control

Pranayam

How can you do Pranayama?

Pranayama is an aspect of Yoga that deals with breathing. It is the breathing process or the control of the motion of inhalation, exhalation and the retention of vital energy. Proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control Prana or the vital life energy. Pranayama, the science of breathing and breath control, is undoubtedly one of the greatest arts one can learn and practice for spiritual growth and personal development. It holds within itself the power to transform the lowest most gross to the highest most refined. This transforming power of pranayama can act upon any and all levels of your being, whether that be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual (energetic). This science has been perfected over the centuries in the East and was mostly kept secret, only handed down verbally from Guru to a deserving disciple. Now, it is much more available to those who seek it seriously. Having said that, life has brought you here now, so take this opportunity and discover the tremendous power of the Science of Pranayama.

Above: Yogi Shri Suresh Babu takes Bhujangasana pose

Basic Guidelines for practicing Pranayama:

  • Do not practice any advanced pranayama if you are unwell.
  • Only do light easy pranayamas
  • Clothing should be loose and should not restrict the movement of the abdomen.
  • Our breathing is already very shallow, we don’t need to compound the issue further by hampering the natural movement of our diaphragm.
  • Your stomach should be empty. Which means you need to wait at least 2-3 hours after a meal before practicing pranayama.
  • If possible practice in the early morning. Early morning is the best time to practice your sadhana (spiritual work).
  • You should sit in a comfortable position, preferably in some variation of cross legged (sukh asana). Most importantly,
  • DO NOT STRAIN. We cannot emphasize that enough. Take your time, you will enjoy your practice more and you will be able to establish a regular routine as you will not dread doing your daily work.
  • One last thing. The pranayamas being taught here, when practiced sincerely over time, can bestow great power to the practitioner.

    Normally, these techniques were not transcribed and as mentioned earlier, were taught only to those held in great trust, so we ask you to respect that trust and agree to not in any way misuse the powers obtained from the practices described below.

    Type of Pranayamas:

  • Anuloma Viloma - Alternate Nostril Breathing.
  • Bhastrika Breathing.
  • Bhramari Breathing.
  • Kapala Bhati.
  • Moorchha Pranayama
  • Sheetali Breathing
  • Sheetkari Breathing
  • Surya Bheda
  • Ujjayi Breathing

    • Below: Student getting trained in yogasanas at the Nithya Chaithanya Kalari Ayurveda Siddha Hospital, Kerala