Pranayama Puraka -Prolonged inhalation
Yogendra Pranayama-VI; prolonged inhalation (Puraka). ‘Prana’ is the bioenergy of our body. On subtle levels, the pranic energy is mainly responsible for life or life force, and ‘ayama’ means control. So Pranayama means “Control of Breath”. In this Pranayama -continuous inhalation is practised.
Starting position:
Do preliminary conditioning in Sukhasana or any other meditative posture. If not possible to sit on the floor, sit on a firm chair with an erect backrest. Keep the body above the waist straight and the spine erect. Eyes can be kept closed.
The Sequence of steps for Pranayama Puraka -Prolonged inhalation:
- Make a short exhalation and then start inhaling – slowly and rhythmically in one long and unbroken inspiration.
- When inhalation starts; make an effort to focus on the abdominal region. As inhalation progresses, let the focus move gently from the abdomen to the inter-costal and then progressively to the clavicular region.
- Be aware of the time taken during the period of inhalation.
- Ensure No exaggerated movement of the abdomen. Inhalation is slow and rhythmic – long, unbroken and without jerks.
- Use all the respiratory muscles and do not balloon the stomach excessively.
- When inhalation is complete exhale out smoothly and completely, without retaining the breath.
- After complete exhalation, take a few normal breaths.
Recommended practice:
- Practise daily 5 rounds/session with pause in-between rounds.
- Start with a count of 5 seconds and gradually increase it by 1 sec/week, when practised daily, not exceeding 10 seconds.
Limitations /Contraindications:
Children under 12 years should not practice. Cardiac patients should be careful about their breathing capacity – should not exert.
Benefits of Pranayama Puraka -Prolonged inhalation:
- Improves lung capacity.
- Forces open every disused air-cell in the lungs; stimulates the sluggish ones to healthy action.
- Builds up breathing stamina.
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