Pranayama is the practice of controlling breathing. It is as important to Yoga as mental stability is to general wellbeing. The proper technique of teaching Pranayama has almost been lost due to the present day attention that is given to paying customers in yoga classes. The mantra that the customer is king has seriously compromised yoga teachers' integrity in imparting knowledge of this old and valuable art. Some teachers create the impression that Pranayama is a separate field of knowledge from yoga. This cannot be further from the truth.
Teaching Pranayama should go hand in hand with teaching other aspects of yoga. It should start at the onset of the main teaching. It should then be paced out proportionately with the rest of the teachings. It is a part of the lessons. As in all aspects of yoga, Pranayama gets better with practice. It is important to learn it systematically. The mind has to be allowed to assimilate all the teachings gradually in order for one to benefit fully.
There is a proper method of imparting the knowledge of Pranayama. It entails first ensuring that the student has the correct moral intentions. If one goes into it with the wrong moral setup, then anything taught will not bring about any real benefit. Diet is also an important factor in preparing the right candidates for Pranayama. The ideal diet is vegetarian and free from stimulants and any addictive substances because the nervous and glandular systems should not be over stimulated into producing selfish and contracting emotions. A thing such as olive oil is good for keeping the lungs well lubricated. A diet rich in fruits and milk is ideal and should be encouraged in students.
In order for breathing to be right, the mind needs to be focused. The best way to go about this is to focus the mind on a single unwavering point. This then leaves the body relaxed and the breathing deep and effective. At this point, one should also have an absorbing idea that allows him to relate the flow of air into and out of the point of focus.
There are a few rules that must be followed if Pranayama is to be effective and beneficial for the student. It should not be done immediately after the postures. The student should break for at least 45 minutes after the postures before commencing on the breathing exercises. A clean environment is also critical and so Pranayama should be done in a room completely free of dust and smoke.
Not all times are good for Pranayama. When one has a head ache, he or she should not practice Pranayama. Understanding the sensitivity of one's body enables a student to know his or her limits and so be able to respect it more. It is advisable to be gentle and patient in putting students through the learning stages of Pranayama. It is something that should not be forced but rather, developed gradually. This can only be achieved through gradual development and hard work.
Teaching Pranayama should go hand in hand with teaching other aspects of yoga. It should start at the onset of the main teaching. It should then be paced out proportionately with the rest of the teachings. It is a part of the lessons. As in all aspects of yoga, Pranayama gets better with practice. It is important to learn it systematically. The mind has to be allowed to assimilate all the teachings gradually in order for one to benefit fully.
There is a proper method of imparting the knowledge of Pranayama. It entails first ensuring that the student has the correct moral intentions. If one goes into it with the wrong moral setup, then anything taught will not bring about any real benefit. Diet is also an important factor in preparing the right candidates for Pranayama. The ideal diet is vegetarian and free from stimulants and any addictive substances because the nervous and glandular systems should not be over stimulated into producing selfish and contracting emotions. A thing such as olive oil is good for keeping the lungs well lubricated. A diet rich in fruits and milk is ideal and should be encouraged in students.
In order for breathing to be right, the mind needs to be focused. The best way to go about this is to focus the mind on a single unwavering point. This then leaves the body relaxed and the breathing deep and effective. At this point, one should also have an absorbing idea that allows him to relate the flow of air into and out of the point of focus.
There are a few rules that must be followed if Pranayama is to be effective and beneficial for the student. It should not be done immediately after the postures. The student should break for at least 45 minutes after the postures before commencing on the breathing exercises. A clean environment is also critical and so Pranayama should be done in a room completely free of dust and smoke.
Not all times are good for Pranayama. When one has a head ache, he or she should not practice Pranayama. Understanding the sensitivity of one's body enables a student to know his or her limits and so be able to respect it more. It is advisable to be gentle and patient in putting students through the learning stages of Pranayama. It is something that should not be forced but rather, developed gradually. This can only be achieved through gradual development and hard work.
Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA.
Pranayama gets better with practice. It is important to learn it systematically. Thanks for this good good article!
ReplyDeleteIn order for breathing to be right, the mind needs to be focused and a few rules that must be followed if Pranayama is to be effective and beneficial for the student. Really its very informative article!
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