Disease and Pranayama

Disease and Pranayama

(Yogic Breathing Techniques)

Pranayama

Body (Disease)

PranayamaYogic

Breathing Techniques

Calmness of the Mind

Inter-Dependency• Modification in breath creates changes in body

and mind.– For example, slowing down the breath to 6 breaths

per minute results in all body systems resonating with each other, mutually reinforcing and resulting in:• Better functioning of immune system • Reduction of inflammation • Better regulation of blood sugar levels• Induced calmness and clarity of the mind• Feeling of inner peace

Pranayama

• Through voluntary breath control we activate the cortex (decision making brain) which then manages the limbic brain (where emotional reactions reside).

Result: – Less reactivity and increased purposeful action– Enhanced production of GABA– Control over mind and emotions, calmness, peace and clarity– Restoration of natural rhythms of cells and organs– Longer practice over time produces change in personality

• There are many yogic breathing techniques affecting the body and mind in different ways. There are specific techniques used for chronic diseases and for body cleansing in yoga therapy.

Effects of Pranayama

• Effects are on 3 levels:– 20 breaths will produce effects on the body level– 40 breaths will produce effects on body and

mental levels– 80 breaths will produce effects on body, mental

and spiritual levels • The effects will be temporary unless the

practice is regular for at least 6 months, then it gives 10hr of sustained effect.

Chaos and Coherence

Research shows that in states of stress, anxiety, and depression or anger, the natural variation in cardiac rhythm becomes weak and chaotic. In states of well being (compassion, gratitude, or when attention is centered on the breathing,) this variability is greater and becomes coherent. The subject’s breathing 6 breaths per minute or less, produces coherence also with rhythms of other autonomous physiological functions, triggering the self-healing capacity of the body.

6© Lee Majewski, 2010. All Rights Reserved.

Coherence

• When we breath <6 breath/minute:– Rhythms of autonomous physiological functions

(heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow to the brain) act in coherence, reinforcing each other

– This coherence produces:• Better functioning of immune system• Reduction in inflammation• Better regulation of blood sugar levels


Lack of Coherence

• Lack of coherence increases with age and is linked to:– High blood pressure– Cardiac insufficiency– Complication from diabetes– Cancer

Fortunately the balance in biological functions responds very well to breathing and concentration



• Regular practice over 6 months transforms one’s physical, psychological, mental and spiritual state

• Physical:– Physical changes to the functioning of the brain -

relaxed brain cells manufacture more of GABA, endorphins, serotonin and melatonin

– Physical changes (healing) to all the systems of the body

– Rest, repair and rejuvenation of all cells, organs and body systems


• Psychological:– Changes in personality– Emotional reactions are replaced by thoughtful actions– Change of habits and behavior– Relaxed way of being – Better sleep

• Mental:– Ability to control the functioning of the mind with cortex

dominance– Ability to focus the mind and manage the thought processes– Relaxed and quiet mind– Feeling of wellbeing and happiness


• Spiritual– Improvement in awareness and consciousness– Increased self awareness– Sense of inner peace and joy– Induced peace of mind, clarity and calmness– The feeling of acceptance and tolerance

Pranayama

• Pranayama is an art of training all body systems to achieve Samadhi

• It is a very powerful tool in healing• It should always be done under supervision of

knowledgeable teacher• If done incorrectly it may cause health

problems or disease

Disease and Pranayama

Education

Transcript of Disease and Pranayama