ANCIENT YOGA AND MEDITATION

 Introduction: - Ancient yoga is a powerful technique that plays a vital role in everyone’s life to keep our mind calm and teaches us how to lead a life full of peacefulness. Such yogic practice brings the mind substantially to the condition of calm where you can experience the fullness of realization and consciousness. The real intent of yoga is to preserve control of our respiratory process in which we learn to focus on the heart center. In this process you become acquainted with the real wisdom of the collective energies and the different types of intelligence that will appear in you. 

The mind is the principal source that is indeed responsible for every individual action. Hence it gets influenced instantly by outside activities and movements. So, as the very procedure of yoga, we have to return to our inward and soak up the experience of complete vigilance. To continue to practice yoga and meditation, we can control the superfluous and unnecessary thoughts of our minds. This is the method by which we immerse ourselves in the universe's consciousness. It's got different names because of different ages, but essentially they're all the same. 

Now it is time to present the method you how we can apply it in your life and obtain abundant benefits. Pranayama is a primary source is used to execute it. Pranayama is the breathing control system. The term “Parana” - where it is used for Pranic energy or breathing and the other word “Yama” is used for control. By controlling the breath and Pranic energy, one can obtain a healthy body and mind. In the practice of yoga of Patanjali, it is formed in different sutras by carrying them properly one can experience a higher state of consciousness.

 

    TYPES OF PRANAYAMAS

            1. Dirga Pranayama or Deep Breathing Perform in Three Parts 

 

This pranayama is the best way to control the breath and an easier method to practice meditation. In this breathing exercise, breath is used to take in three parts- In the first part, inhalation starts from the belly, in the second part gets passed through into the ribcage, and finally in the third part reached the upper chest area. 

Benefits

 

It has proven by regular practicing it, it provides the best result for the body, mind, and soul. It soothes the mind, develops the concentration level, and helps to reduce anxiety.

 

2.   Nadi Sodhana Pranayama or Alternate Nostril Breathing

 

Nadi Sodhana is the technique is widely known as Alternate breathing in which we used to take the breath from one nostril and exhale it from another one, here one cycle is completed. After completing the cycle it must be repeated 8 to 10 times. 

Benefits 

 

Node Sodhana's pranayama results confirmed that it is the best stress buster and helps to increase the awareness of the mind.

 

3.   Shitali Pranayama or Cooling Breath

 

In Shitali Pranayama is practicing it to regulate breathing in a cooling and refreshing form. It has cooling effects on our body and mind in which breath inhales from the mouth with folding tongue and hold the breath for a few seconds along with the practice of chin lock and then exhales from the way of nostrils. 

         Benefits

 

As it already considered that it gives refreshing effects on both body and mind. Where there it depletes the level of anxiety and restlessness.

 

4.   Ujjayi Pranayama or Ocean Breath   

 

This is another approach of breathing in this pranayama breath is used to take by mouth alike, we try to fog up a mirror. Then close the mouth and then begin to breathe through the nose. This complete cycle regenerates the sound of ocean waves, This is the reason it is also known as ocean breath. 

Benefits

 

Ujjayi Pranayama has some incredible effects on our mind while performing it regularly an individual can attain sound mental health and become more conscious and focused related to each activity of your entire day. 

 

5. Bhramari Pranayama or “Humming Bee Breath” 

 

It recreates the sound of humming bee that is why it is named “Humming bee breath”. In this pranayama, a person has to sit in a lotus posture along with back and neck straight. Upon the closed eyes, we need to press them with the help of the first two fingers and like the same way we have to close our ears too by placing thumbs on them. Now start the process of inhaling and exhaling. The completion of one breath is considered as one cycle. Continue this cycle for 5-10 minutes.

Benefits  

 

It is trusted that Bhramari pranayama has resulted to calm the mind and body naturally. It improves concentration, memory and also a better way to release stress.

6.  Bhastrika Pranayama or ‘Bellows Breath 

 

Bhastrika pranayama has also another name Bellow breath because while performing it, it executes like one is trying to bellow the fire. In this exercise first, we need to erect our posture and sit in a Padmasana (lotus) position after that let your eyes close and begin to inhale deeply then exhale the breath with complete force. Repeat this process 10 times, then try to hold your breath for a while and start again inhaling and exhaling deeply. Now here it has finished one cycle after finishing one cycle continued it 5 times. 

Benefits

 

It has been proven in different researches that it is a useful practice to stay away from yourself from anxiety and stress.

7. Kapalbhati Pranayama or Breath of Fire

 

This is one sort of pranayama that not only helps you out to warm up your body, but also beneficial for all abdominal issues. To perform this you need to sit in a Padmasana (lotus) position. The technique involves a straightforward, natural inhalation, but exhalation should be performed by putting full force into it. It can be done at medium to high speed, in beginning it is targeted to 60-70 cycles per minute and slowly you can shift your target to 90-100 cycles per minute if you find it comfortable. 

Benefits

 

It is believed that this pranayama is the best aid for the whole digestive tract and produces excellent results for the skin as well. It gives a natural glow to the skin and helps to reduce weight.