Philosophy - Pranayama Flashcards
What is pranayama
breathing techniques
What is abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing
actioning the diaphragm to move it downwards and relaxing it, moving it upwards. Diaphragmatic is the most natural and efficient way of breathing.
What are the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing?
Can regulate and balance the nervous system, the heart, bloodflow, muscular and hormonal activity, stress levels and the immune system
what is kapalabhati (breath of fire)
kapala means forehead nd bhati means shining. Thus, it is the practice which brings a state of light or clarity to the frontal region of the brain
how do you do kapalabhati breathing?
inhale through both nostrils, expanding the abdomen and exhale with forceful contraction of the abdomen, without straining too much. The next exhale takes place by passively allowing the abdominal muscles to expand
What are the contra-indications of kapalabhati breathing?
people suffering from heart problems, high blood pressure, or vertigo etc or people menstruating / pregnancy
what are the benefits of kapalabhati?
it removes sensory distractions and sleepiness and prepares the mind for meditation.
it energises and warms up the body and mind fr mental work or asana practice
it balances and strengthens the nervous system
it tones the digestive system and abdominal muscles
