Pranayam is fourth organ of Ashtang yog. After getting perfection in Asana, to stable, control & expand prana is part of Pranayam. Prana is power which keeps us live.
TASMIN SATI SHWAS – PRAVASHYO-GATIRVICHEDA PRANAYAAMA (Yog 2/49)
VAHRIYA, ABHAYANTRA, SATAMBH VARITI, DESHKAL, SANKHYABHI, PARI DRISHTI DIRGH SUKSHAMA (Yog 2/50)
TATA KSHIYATE PRAKASHAVARANAM (Yog; 2/52)
DHARNAASU CH YOGYATA MANSA (Yog 2/53)
Before knowing Pranayam, it is essential to know what truly the Pranayam is. Parana are called Brahaman in Upanishad. Prana is in every atom of the body. In the body, karamindriya & Gyanindriya take rest while we sleep or take rest. But, Prana, never take rest. Hence, it is very important to know PRANA.
WHAT IS PRANA
Prana is the vital element, which is present in the whole body. All other elements are non-mobile. They can move, Prana is the only element which make them mobile. Prana is treated like electricity. Body energy and prana are internally related. Food, drinking items, sunrays are such mediums which give us prana energy & determines our life. Prana is within Prana (Life), and we live till then. Once there is no Prana-power, one is declared dead. Prana is the most significant and useful life provider element of our life, which keeps our life going. The Prana with the help of invisible power monitors life of the whole world. The life power which keep every organ of our body moving is Prana power.
KINDS OF PRANA
Prana power is just one. But being divided in different groups located at one particular place of our body, is known by different names. In our body, it is considered, there are five Prana & Five Sub-Prana. Their functions are pre-determined.
- Prana: In the body, from throat to heart, the power which works is called Prana. Function: This gives life & power to nose, throat, speech, breathing, lungs and heart.
- Apaan: The prana power from naval to toe of foot is called Apaan. Function: To release foreign elements from the body in the form of urine etc.
- Saman: From heart to naval, the Prana power is called Apaan. Function: To control stomach & digestive system.
- Vyaan: It controls motions in the body. Function: To keep pulses etc in action & working.
- Udan: From throat to Head, Prana power is called Udan. Function: to give energy to eyes ear & nose etc.
There are five sub-Prana also. Their names are: Naag, Kurma, Krikal, Devdutta and Dhanjaya. These control blinking of eyes sneezing, yawning, itching and hiccup. The whole Prana are associated with many organs of our body. Mainly Prana is linked to Prana Kosh. Through pranayam, we can purify Prana Kosh and make it healthy and disease less.