SYNOPSIS

This is a complete one-of-its-kind book on the widely known yet little understood science and practice of yogic pranayama. Written specially for the common man, the book traces the origin of pranayama, explains and removes some of the common perceptions and misconceptions, discusses the significance of practice of pranayama in maintaining good health and, most important, explains in detail the practice of pranayama - the different components and varieties, the various asanas, bandhas, kriyas and mudras. The focus is practical, with each asana illustrated and each photograph accompanied with explanatory text.

There is a separate section of how pranayam helps in recovery and restoration of good health and how the practice of different and specific asanas can speed up recovery from various ailments, aches, pains, postural defects, diabetes, obesity, stomach problems, piles, asthma, arthritis, gout, etc. With 60 Photographs.

CONTENTS

 

1.	What is Pranayama
	Pranayama is control of breath
	How did pranayama originate
	Why do we breathe at all
	Why should we control the breath
	What can pranayama do
2.	Misconceptions About Pranayama Removed
	Pranayama is not for the householder
	Pranayama is dangerous
	Pranayama should begin only after mastering yama, niyama, and asana
	Pranayama should be practised only after initiation
	Pranayama gives unusual powers
	Pranayama nullifies the effect of heat or cold
	Pranayama gives the capacity to hold the breath infinitely
	Pranayama prolongs life
	Beliefs regarding relation of pranayama with food
3.	Before Making a Beginning
	Proper arrangements for training
	Fitness of the student
	Age for starting pranayama
	For Both the Sexes
	Selection of the place
	What to wear
	Time of practice
	Diet and food habits
	Combination of pranayama with other activities
	Regularity of practice
	Measurement of time
	A clear nasal passage
	Preparing the seat
	Postures suitable for pranayama
	Sukhasana
	Vajrasana
	Swastikasana
	Siddhasana
	Padmasana
4.	How to Practise Pranayama
	Three components of pranayama
	Yukta pranayama
	Breathing through one nostril
	Making a beginning
	Introduction of kumbhaka (retention)
	Application of Bandhas (holds)
	Jivha Bandha
	Jalandhara Bandha
	Uddiyana Bandha
	Mula Bandha
	Three grades of kumbhaka
	Incessant abdominal breathing
	Holding the breath out
5.	Varieties of Pranayama
	Anuloma-viloma
	Ujjayi
	Suryabhedana
	Bhastrika
	Shitali
	Sitkari
	Bhramari
	Moorcha
	Plavini
6.	Pranayama: A Key To Good Health
	Importance of good health
	What constitutes health
	Mechanism of breathing
	Exchange of gases in the lungs
	Nervous control of respiration
	Breathing under abnormal conditions
	Effects of pranayamic breathing
	Erect sitting posture
	Relaxation of the body and mind
	Filling and emptying of the lungs
	Influence of ventilatory rate
	Pressure changes in the thoracic and abdominal cavities
	Exercise of the muscles of respiration
	Activation of hitherto silent areas of the brain
	Pranayama: a key to good health
	Digestion
	Circulation of blood
	Respiration
	Secretion
	Excretion
	Reproduction
	Co-ordination of various function
7.	Pranayama For the Cure of Disorders
	Cause of ill health
	Environmental conditions
	Heredity
	Moderation of behaviour
	Faulty Diet
	Work and Rest
	Pollution
	Lack of exercise
	Stress
	Cure of disorders
	Postural defects
	Headache
	Migraine
	Backache
	Diabetes
	Obesity
	Constipation
	Flatulence
	Dyspepsia
	Chronic dysentery
	Piles
	Hypertension
	Varicose veins
	Common cold, Rhinitis and Sinusitis
	Chronic Bronchitis
	Asthma
	Nervousness and instability of mind
	Sciatica
	Insomnia
	Spondylitis
	Rheumatoid arthritis
	Gout
	Displacement of the uterus
	Irregularities of menstruation
	Sexual Weakness
	Maladjustment of personality
	Appendix: A Keep Fit-Yoga Routine

 

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