what is Pranayama, Introduction-: The Impact Of Pranayama and Types of Pranayama.
The Impact Of Pranayama and Types of Pranayama, Pranayama practice had been practiced by Indian for thousands of years as the knowledge was passed through words to mouth by great Yoga masters. The ancient masters realized the powers behind Pranayama practice so much so that it had been incorporated into almost every rites and rituals of Indians in the past.
Pranayama methods, which are various types of breathing exercises, have been used by saints living in caves for the prevention of diseases and long-term survival from the ancient period, under natural circumstances. It has been proposed by Patanjali, (600 BCE), the codifier of yoga science that the control of prana (mind) is possible by regulation of inhalation and exhalation. This is accomplished by eliminating the pause between inhalation and exhalation or expanding it by
Retention. Pranayama, the science of controlled, conscious expansion of Prana (the life force) is the fourth limb of Classical Yoga. Pranayama is of vital importance to any sincere Yoga practitioner trying to achieve the state of Yoga. Unless the mind is controlled, the higher aspects of Yoga are not possible and the best and only way to really control the mind Is by regular, dedicated and determined practice of Pranayama with awareness, consciousness and purity of thought, word and deed.
The flow of Prana or vital energy to all the vital parts of the body is regulated by these breath-regulating practices.
Regular practice of Pranayama can modulate the sensitivity of chemo-receptors and also makes mind calm and quiet.
Nadishodhan, Surya bhedan. Ujjayi, Sheetali, Bhramari, Bhastrika Pranayama are important Pranayama to be practiced.
Pranayama, Various methods of pranayamas or breathing exercises.(Patanjali yoga)-:
The Impact Of Pranayama and Types of Pranayama.
Nari shodhanam-: Three cycles of exhalation through the left nostril and inhalation through right nostril followed by three cycles of exhalation through the right nostril and inhalation through the left, both should be of equal duration.
Kapalbhati-: Vigorous and forceful expulsion of breath, using the diaphragm and abdominal muscles. It is followed by a relaxation of the abdominal muscles, resulting in a slow passive inhalation.
Bhastrika-: It means bellows, in which abdominal muscles work like bellows. Here both inhalation and exhalation are vigorous and forceful. The effects are similar to kapalbhati and complication could be hyperventilation.
Ujjayi-: It means control of victory, arising from a process of expansion, enhancing the ventilation of the lungs. Inhalation and exhalation are slow and deep and take place with partial closure of glottis. It removes the expectoration, calms the sympathetic activity and fills the whole body with wellness.
Bhramari -: It means a large bee and the sound of a bee is made, during exhalation. Inhale completely through both nostrils and exhale producing a humming sound.
Sitali-: The tongue is curled lengthwise until it resembles a tube. The tip of the tongue is protruded outside the lips. A hissing sound is produced during inhalation.
Exhale completely with both nostrils.
Sitkari-:The tongue is rolled back towards the soft palate and lips part and clench the teeth. Now inhale through the teeth, making a hissing sound with breath. Exhale completely through both nostrils.
Suryabhedana-: The breath is inhaled through the right nostril, retained then exhaled, through the nostril
Murccha-: There is complete inhalation via both nostrils followed by slow exhalation, applying chin lock.
Plavini-: The stomach is first filled completely with air and simultaneously the lungs are also filled completely with air by air. The breath is retained and then finally exhaled. It is an advanced mode of pranayam.
Anulome and Velome-: Take deep inspiration from slowly from left nose followed by a pause of few seconds, then do complete expiration from the other nostril, while one nostril is closed by the thumb.
Before doing the above Pranayama one must follow the essentials for practicing pranayama as stated below:- 
- External environment :- Any place that is well-ventilated and free from noise, insects and flies should be preferred to practice Pranayama.
- Right season to begin the practice of Pranayama :-One should start to practice Pranayama in spring season i.e. March-April and Autumn season 1e. Sept-Oct. One who is already in practice should continue its. practice
- Right time:-Morning is the best suited times to practice Pranayama
- Seat or Asana:- The seat should be soft, thick and comfortable.
- Asana Asana such as Padamasana, Siddhasana, Vajrasana and Sukhasana are considered the most suitable postures for the practice of Pranayama