A.K.A. The Benefits of Breathwork
Pranayama is the traditional practice (and one of the 8 limbs of yoga) that involves a variety of breathing techniques, and can be roughly translated as ‘energy control’. Our body’s energies are closely linked to our nervous systems, and as such they can affect us physically, psychologically, and emotionally.
Using these breath practices we can learn to affect and even control our:
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Energy levels
Experience of physical and emotional pain
Nervous systems (by triggering either the sympathetic ‘fight or flight’ or parasympathetic ‘rest and digest’)
Hormone levels – such as serotonin, oxytocin, cortisol
Regulation of emotions
Relaxation levels – by reducing cortisol production
Stress levels and our experience of stress
And more…
Through a regular pranayama practice we can improve our lung capacity, increasing endurance levels, and regulate various bodily functions such as digestion, metabolism, and even our body temperature.
Take a look at some examples of the breathing practices you can do with us at Eastern Hope Yoga.