Anuloma Viloma Pranayama - Simple and Effective for Beginners and for the Experienced.

Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.

"To be spiritual, one must not deny or forget the body." - B.K.S. Iyengar

Make no mistake - yoga doesn't dismiss the body as unimportant. The body is the vehicle in which you journey through this life, so you ought to take good care of it. This is why in yoga we practise the asanas, to keep the body healthy and strong, so that it is a worthy vehicle for the soul.

An unhealthy body keeps the mental faculties busy on the physical level only, and one cannot think of anything else but one's body", said Swami Rama, the Himalayan Mystic.

Physical health + Mental health leads to spiritual progress, thereby making way to enjoying all the gifts of life.

"Don't call it 'my body. Call it 'this instrument" - Swami Sivananda

Yoga is a very unique form of physical and mental exercise which just can't be compared with any other form of practises because of its unique and scientific methodology. Most of the Yoga Teachers fail to set expectations in the beginning, no efforts to help students understand the significance of yoga, hardly any time taken to explain the preferred methodology. Besides, any yoga aspirant who's very ambitious and competitive are anyway looking for quick results and transformation, without any basic know-how of their body types and tend to lose confidence and patience in yoga practise which leads to abrupt discontinuation and at times end up with few minor injuries as well. But they are less aware and conscious that it is the stage when they have actually started to draw some phenomenal benefits for themselves, which is sustainable for life time and the student tend to realise it later sometime.

If there is any person dealing with certain body or mind disorders or ailments, it could be definitely due to the imbalance of the Nadi's or to be more precise, irregular breathing pattern. One of the best, safest and time tested method to overcome this is to practise a very simple pranayama called ANULOMA VILOMA PRANAYAMA (Alternate Nostril Breathing) to start with.

This is one of the main pranayama or breathing exercises practise in Hatha yoga. It is normally practised in the beginning, then other pranayama's are practised respectively. It is also known as Nadi Shodhana Pranayama.

It is very effective in purifying the mind and body. The regular practice offers energy to the body, releases stress, anxiety and also treats serious health conditions, which include heart problems, cartilage, depression, asthma, high blood pressure, and arthritis. Some of the practitioners also recommend Anuloma Viloma Pranayama for the treatment of bent ligaments, neural issues, migraine pain, and sinus. It can also reduce weight depending on the body’s constitution. Pranayama ensures a proper supply of energy to all the body organs enhancing the overall health of the body.

Anulom Viloma Pranayama can be performed without holding the breath. It is advisable, Practice the Anuloma Viloma Pranayama for beginners without holding the breath.

The practise of Anuloma Viloma Pranayama is very easy and simple. You can practise this pranayama by choosing a certain time of the day to your convenience. The benefits of doing Anuloma Viloma Pranayama are not one but many. With this pranayama, purification of the breath leads to purification of the entire vascular system. According to yoga texts, by doing Anuloma Viloma Pranayama, almost every kind of disease can be get rid of.

Benefits:

• By practicing Anuloma Viloma daily, physical defects like Vata, Pitta, and Kapha will cure. Since it is pranayama associated with respiration, it has an important role in removing these doshas.

• The slow breathing technique or yogic breathing, such as Anuloma Viloma Pranayama shows significant improvements in components of health fitness (i.e., cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and percentage of body fat).

• This is a type of breathing technique in yoga that keeps your mind calm. According to the scientific study, the person doing the Anuloma Viloma Pranayama keeps away from anxiety, stress, and depression, etc.

• With regular practice of this pranayama, we can increase our memory and positive thinking.

• Helps to relax by effectively removing the tension accumulated in the mind and body.

• Purifies the nerves and stabilises them, allowing the flow of vital energy in our body.

• Anuloma Viloma Pranayama is a Nadi Shodhana activity that works to detox the body completely, which can also benefit the skin.

• Maintains optimum body temperature.

Few Points to Note:

• Always do this pranayama empty stomach.

• While breathing, one should keep reciting the OM in the mind. Because this pronunciation has a positive impact on our minds.

• Do not insist on breath and keep the pace of breath simple and comfortable.

• Do not breathe through the mouth or make any sound while breathing.

• Place the fingers very lightly on the nostril. There is no need to apply any pressure.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. The author is sharing the information out of his experience and acquired knowledge from various Yogis and Texts.