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| Articles > Pranayama | ||
| Fuel is used to supply energy and repair body tissue. Pranic energy is received through the lungs via the breath, water, and food. Yogic philosophy teaches that unprocessed foods have retained the highest amount of pranic energy. These types of foods help one to maintain a healthy appetite, bring purity and calmness to the mind, and soothe and nourish the body. In order to maintain a strong body one must consume a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, unsaturated fat and minerals, and drink a sufficient amount of water daily. It is also believed that the type of energy which is expended during the shopping and preparation of food is also significant. Mental activity is directly correlated to the breath, therefore, control of the breath brings discipline to the mind. Pranayama controls prana through the control of the lungs. Consistency of yoga practice gives one the ability to ultimately control prana throughout the body. A healthy body can be maintained by maximizing the amount of pranic energy stored in the body. This vital energy is the force of life found in all forms, in every cell, in every being. It is the universal energy which is absorbed through air, food, and water. Mechanical Breathing The ribs are moved by the intercostal muscles. The diaphragm descends toward the abdominal cavity. As a vacuum is created, the capacity of the lungs is increased and air rushes in from the outside. Proper control of diaphragm and respiratory muscles utilizing an inhale/exhale ratio of 1:2 enables maximum use of the lungs as foul air is completely removed. Practice should include concentration on the solar plexus, the storage center of prana connected to the sympathetic nervous system. |
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