Benefits of Pranayama Practice

Traditionally, the ultimate aim of some Yogic practices was to direct Prāṇa into the suṣumnā nadi specifically, enabling Kuṇḍalini to rise, and thus bring about Mokṣa. There are two energetic nerve channels (nāḍis) on either side of the spine – Iḍā and Piṅgala. The Prāṇa flows upwards through the iḍā, and with this upward movement, the breath is automatically drawn into the lungs. The result is that the mind is lured towards the gross world of senses. The energy flows downwards through the Piṅgala, which is called apāna. With this downward movement, there is exhalation of the breath, signifying a rejection of the external world. The continuous cycle of happiness and dejection is embedded within the subtle channels. Through Prāṇāyāma, one could redirect the energy though the central spine known […]