Prana, the life force controls different activities in the body, and for its free flow the nadis should be free of impurities. These impurities are the result of instability in the mental processes. All kinds of mental disturbances lead to physical disturbances. However, with the prana in a stable state, the mind becomes peaceful.
Pranayama requires awareness of breath flow. By feeling the breath's temperature and direction, we can connect with Prana, the subtle energy in our body. This awareness is key to successful Pranayama practice. Traditional texts recommend guidance from a master to avoid negative effects.
Nadi Suddhi and Anulom Vilom as per traditional texts
Gheranda Samhita mentions the prerequisites of the Pranayama practice as below:
आदौस्थानं तथाकालंमिताहारंतथापरम्। नाड़ीशुद्धिंतत: पश्चात्प्राणायामंचसाधयेत
It suggests beginning with selecting the right place. Then select the proper time and mitaharam (a balanced diet). Then cleansing of nadis or nadi shodhana should be done. After all this, pranayama should be practiced.
For the practice to be effective all the prerequisites should be followed in the prescribed manner. Gheranda Samhita considers Nadi Shudhi separate from Pranayama and Pranayama and Kumbhaka to be synonymous.
According to Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the prerequisites of Pranayama are slightly different.
अथासनेदॄधेयोगीवशीहित-मिताशनः | गुरूपदिष्ह्ट-मार्गेणपराणायामान्समभ्यसेत ||
It says to begin with the practice of Asana. Then attain control over the senses. Follow a balanced diet and practice as taught by the teacher.
As per Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Nadi Shodana Pranayama is synonymous to Anuloma Viloma and they come under Kumbhaka.
Practice methods of Nadi Shudhi or Anulom Viloma are similar in both the texts. Nadi Shudhi is a prerequisite of Anulom Vilom. Air must be breathed in through one nostril (puraka), following breath retention (kumbhaka) and then the air is expelled from the other nostril (rechaka).
The practice of using breath for purifying the nadis is Nadi Shudi. And, when combined with kumbhaka it becomes Anulom Vilom.
Apart from Nadi Shudhi, various asanas (yoga poses) and Shodhana Kriyas also purify nadis.
Progress in Pranayama
Pranayama practice suggests progressing from the lowest level Kaniyasi stage to Uttama level through Madhyama or the middle level at a slow pace. The inhalation and exhalation should be normal, one shouldn’t over exert.
One should practice Pranayama four times a day; Pratah – in the morning, Madhyandina – in the noon, Sayam – in the evening and Ardha Ratra – Mid Night.
Benefits of Nadi Shudhi & Anulom Viloma Pranayama
In yoga, the cleansing of nadis is an advanced accomplishment. These practices awaken the Kundalini and help reach the state of Samadhi.
Pranayama is the practice of regulating one’s breath to control the prana to control various actions in the body. It should be practiced in the prescribed manner as incorrect practices create adverse effects on the body.
and Anulom Vilom as per traditional texts
Gheranda Samhita mentions the prerequisites of the Pranayama practice as below:
आदौस्थानं तथाकालंमिताहारंतथापरम्। नाड़ीशुद्धिंतत: पश्चात्प्राणायामंचसाधयेत
It suggests beginning with selecting the right place. Then select the proper time and mitaharam (a balanced diet). Then cleansing of nadis or nadi shodhana should be done. After all this, pranayama should be practiced.
For the practice to be effective all the prerequisites should be followed in the prescribed manner. Gheranda Samhita considers Nadi Shudhi separate from Pranayama and Pranayama and Kumbhaka to be synonymous.
According to Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the prerequisites of Pranayama are slightly different.
अथासनेदॄधेयोगीवशीहित-मिताशनः | गुरूपदिष्ह्ट-मार्गेणपराणायामान्समभ्यसेत ||
It says to begin with the practice of Asana. Then attain control over the senses. Follow a balanced diet and practice as taught by the teacher.
As per Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Nadi Shodana Pranayama is synonymous to Anuloma Viloma and they come under Kumbhaka.
Practice methods of Nadi Shudhi or Anulom Viloma are similar in both the texts. Nadi Shudhi is a prerequisite of Anulom Vilom. Air must be breathed in through one nostril (puraka), following breath retention (kumbhaka) and then the air is expelled from the other nostril (rechaka).
The practice of using breath for purifying the nadis is Nadi Shudi. And, when combined with kumbhaka it becomes Anulom Vilom.
Apart from Nadi Shudhi, various asanas (yoga poses) and Shodhana Kriyas also purify nadis.
Progress in Pranayama
Pranayama practice suggests progressing from the lowest level Kaniyasi stage to Uttama level through Madhyama or the middle level at a slow pace. The inhalation and exhalation should be normal, one shouldn’t over exert.
One should practice Pranayama four times a day; Pratah – in the morning, Madhyandina – in the noon, Sayam – in the evening and Ardha Ratra – Mid Night.
Benefits of Nadi Shuddhi & Anulom Viloma Pranayama
In yoga, the cleansing of nadis is an advanced accomplishment. These practices awaken the Kundalini and help reach the state of Samadhi.
Pranayama is the practice of regulating one’s breath to control the prana to control various actions in the body. It should be practiced in the prescribed manner as incorrect practices create adverse effects on the body.
-- Nadi suddhi
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