12 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits Of Pranayama

You must have heard of Pranayama. It is an ancient and highly scientific practice and method of regulating breath. As you may already know, it is regarded as a key part of yoga, India’s biggest gift to the world. Yoga is athe pursuit of both physical and mental health. Prana equates to life energy in Sanskrit, while yama equates to control. There are several types of Pranayama including the Bhramari Pranayama or the Kapalbhati Pranayama. The entire practice involves several patterns and exercises related to breathing. You have to exhale, inhale and hold the breath in a particular sequence for it to be effective. Pranayama is often fused with other asanas or physical movements and meditation in the practice of yoga.

Let us dig deeper to unravel the multifarious benefits of pranayama in this article. 

What is Pranayama?

Before you go into the Kapalbhati Pranayama benefits or the Bhramari Pranayama benefits, you should learn more about this ancient practice itself.

• Pranayama, as mentioned, is the traditional method of breath control including the tenure, timing and frequency. 
• There are several Pranayama steps that have to be followed in this regard. The exercise will help in linking your mind and body in a wonderful manner, enabling more fresh oxygen for the system and toxin removal simultaneously.
• It will also come with several healing attributes for the body. 

How to do Pranayama? 

You should first learn more about the types of Pranayama and benefits before getting into the main steps. Some of the techniques for breathing include Nadishodhana or alternate breathing through the nostrils, Bhramari which is the humming breath of the female honeybee, Ujjayi or breath which is victorious and also Bastrika which equates to bellow breath. You can practice these breathing techniques in several ways and they can be applied while performing yoga poses as well. You can also infuse them into your meditation regime as well.

The main steps of Pranayama include inhalation or Puraka, retention or Kumbhaka and exhalation or Recaka. Deeper and slower inhalation helps the body get sufficient oxygen while enabling retention of the same. The last step is exhaling the same via the abdomen or lungs which also helps in eliminating impurities greatly.

Top 12 Pranayama Benefits

Here are the biggest Pranayama benefits that you should know more about:

1. Enhances Cardiovascular Health 

Pranayama enables better blood oxygen capacity and circulation alike. It enhances cardiovascular functioning if it is practiced on a regular basis. 

2. Lowers Hypertension Risks 

Pranayama contributes towards better relaxation of the body while combating tension, stress and other harmful elements. It helps in greatly reducing hypertension. 

3. Boosts Lung Functioning 

Pranayama aids the smooth functioning of the lungs. It is a great breathing technique and helps those with asthma or breathing troubles. 

4. Combats Depression 

Also note than Pranayama helps boost mental strength while also combating anxiety and depression alike. It is a great mood booster. 

5. Helps with Weight Loss

Pranayama comes with several advantages for those who are looking to lose weight. It may help in lowering body weight if you do it on a regular basis. 

6. Detoxifies the System

Whether you know it or not, but Pranayama is a great way to flush out body toxins. It is one of the best ways to detoxify the system. 

7. Boosts Immunity 

Pranayama helps in greatly enhancing overall body immunity which keeps you safe from several types of ailments in turn.

 8. Boosts Digestion

 Pranayama, if done on a regular basis, will help in curing several digestive disorders and also lowers bloating considerably. 

9. Reduces Sinusitis 

Pranayama is a great treatment for sinusitis and you may try the technique known as Bastrika in this regard. It will combat this issue effectively. 

10. Lowers Nasal Congestion

 Practicing Pranayama helps with clearing nasal passages and lowering overall congestion at the same time. 

11. Stimulates Focus and Concentration

Pranayama leads to better mental focus and concentration if it is done regularly. You can indulge in yoga to calm down your stress levels. 

12. Enhances Skin Health 

Pranayama will help in enhancing skin health greatly if it is done daily. It can also help in the removal of skin wrinkles and other blemishes while ensuring fresh oxygen supply and glowing skin alike. 

The Bottom Line

Pranayama is an ancient science and art that revolves around breath control and is a pivotal aspect of yoga. It helps in bolstering the connection between the mind and body. It comes with several health benefits including lower stress and hypertension risks, better immunity, relief from nasal congestion and better concentration and focus. Pranayama may also promote better mindfulness and relaxation alike while boosting various health aspects including brain and lung functioning along with regulating blood pressure as well.