2 Influence of Controlled Breathing (Pranayama) on Dermal Perfusion
37
2.3.4 Introduction to Pranayama and Yogic Breathing
Breathing is so simple and so obvious we often take it for granted; ignoring the
power it has to affect body, mind and spirit. With each inhale we bring oxygen into
the body and spark the transformation of nutrients into fuel. Each exhale purges the
body of carbon dioxide, a toxic waste. Breathing also affects our state of mind. It
can make us excited or calm, tense or relaxed. It can make our thinking confused
or clear. What’s more, in the yogic tradition, air is the primary source of prana or
life force, a psycho-physio-spiritual force that permeates the universe. Pranayama
is loosely translated as prana or breathe control [11]. The ancient yogis developed
many breathing techniques to maximize the benefits of prana. Pranayama is used in
yoga as a separate practice to help clear and cleanse the body and mind. It is also
used in preparation for meditation, and in asana, the practice of postures, to help
maximize the benefits of the practice, and focus the mind.
2.4 How to Do It
Hold your right hand up and curl your index and middle fingers toward your palm.
Place your thumb next to your right nostril and your ring finger and pinky by your
left. Close the left nostril by pressing gently against it with your ring finger and pinky,
and inhale through the right nostril. The breath should be slow, steady and full. Now
close the right nostril by pressing gently against it with your thumb, and open your
left nostril by relaxing your ring finger and pinky and exhale fully with a slow and
steady breath. Inhale through the left nostril, close it, and then exhale through the
right nostril.
That’s one complete round of Nadi Shodhana:
• Inhale through the right nostril,
• Exhale through the left,
• Inhale through the left,
• Exhale through the right.
Begin with 5–10 rounds and add more as you feel ready. Remember to keep your
breathing slow, easy and full [1]. Various postures of Pranayama are given in Fig. 2.1.
2.5 Experimental Details
The results reported in the present study are based on the optical sensors (PPG)
mounted on the temples for monitoring the brain activity in terms of the underlying
37
2.3.4 Introduction to Pranayama and Yogic Breathing
Breathing is so simple and so obvious we often take it for granted; ignoring the
power it has to affect body, mind and spirit. With each inhale we bring oxygen into
the body and spark the transformation of nutrients into fuel. Each exhale purges the
body of carbon dioxide, a toxic waste. Breathing also affects our state of mind. It
can make us excited or calm, tense or relaxed. It can make our thinking confused
or clear. What’s more, in the yogic tradition, air is the primary source of prana or
life force, a psycho-physio-spiritual force that permeates the universe. Pranayama
is loosely translated as prana or breathe control [11]. The ancient yogis developed
many breathing techniques to maximize the benefits of prana. Pranayama is used in
yoga as a separate practice to help clear and cleanse the body and mind. It is also
used in preparation for meditation, and in asana, the practice of postures, to help
maximize the benefits of the practice, and focus the mind.
2.4 How to Do It
Hold your right hand up and curl your index and middle fingers toward your palm.
Place your thumb next to your right nostril and your ring finger and pinky by your
left. Close the left nostril by pressing gently against it with your ring finger and pinky,
and inhale through the right nostril. The breath should be slow, steady and full. Now
close the right nostril by pressing gently against it with your thumb, and open your
left nostril by relaxing your ring finger and pinky and exhale fully with a slow and
steady breath. Inhale through the left nostril, close it, and then exhale through the
right nostril.
That’s one complete round of Nadi Shodhana:
• Inhale through the right nostril,
• Exhale through the left,
• Inhale through the left,
• Exhale through the right.
Begin with 5–10 rounds and add more as you feel ready. Remember to keep your
breathing slow, easy and full [1]. Various postures of Pranayama are given in Fig. 2.1.
2.5 Experimental Details
The results reported in the present study are based on the optical sensors (PPG)
mounted on the temples for monitoring the brain activity in terms of the underlying