Pranayama Practice: Sushumna Pranayama (Audio Recording)

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Five-Prana-Ayurveda_Pranayama-Practice_Sushumna-Pranayama

Pranayama

In Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga, the 4th limb is dedicated to pranayama. Prana is that pervades the whole universe and all living things. Prana means “ vital life force” and ayama means “expansion”. Therefore, pranayama means “expansion of the vital life force”. As we practice pranayama, we are expanding our breath and the capacity of the lungs.

There are many forms of pranayama in Ayurveda. Some increase lunar energy like Adham Pranayama or Shitali Pranayama. While others increase solar energy like Kapalabhati Pranayama or Bhastrika Pranayama. Finally there are pranayama practices that balance both the lunar and solar energies like Nadi Shodana Pranayama, Bhramari Pranayama, or Ujjayi Pranayama.

In Ayurveda, there are five pranas also called vayus or subdoshas of vata. Vayu is another word for prana. It is also the cosmic force of the element of air, which is the main element associated with vata dosha. These five vayus control all the movement in our body; from the movement of digestion, respiration, circulation, elimination, reproduction, speech and communication plus so much more. The five vayus or five pranas are: Apana, Udana, Samana, Vyana and Prana. Each one of the five pranas has a corresponding pranayama practice to help bring balance into the powers of the air element.

Sushumna Pranayama

In this Ayurveda pranayama audio recording, you will be led through a 12 minute Sushumna Pranayama breathing practice. This form of pranayama increases Udana or upward moving energy. It also energizes the chakras as the breath moves up the spinal column. Sushumna means “the very blissful.” It is said that sushumna pranayama makes you feel blissful after you practice. The Sushumna breathing practice is centered in the spine. To practice Sushumna pranayama, you inhale and silently say the word SO. And on the exhalation you will silently say HUM. The breathing practice of Sushumna Pranayama is designed to bring balance to the body, mind and spirit. This form of pranayama is used traditionally in Ayurveda to energize the spine, brain, and nerve tissue. Now follow along as you are led through the Ayurveda breathing technique of sushmna pranayama or spinal breath.

Music by Fried Coffee.