Pranayama is an integral part of the broader yoga system. We understand Pranayama to be a form of breathing exercises that when done properly can lead to the calming and centering of the mind-body system. But exactly how does Pranayama work?
In his book “Holy Science” Swami Sri Yukteshwar (Guru of Paramahamsa Yoganananda) explains: “Man can put the voluntary nerves into action whenever he likes, and can give them rest when fatigued. When all these voluntary nerves require rest he sleeps naturally and by this sleep the voluntary nerves, being refreshed, can work again with full vigor. Man’s involuntary nerves however, irrespective of his will are working continuously of themselves from his birth. As he has no control over them, he cannot interfere with their actions in the least.”
Sri Yukteshwar is talking about the somatic nervous system (the nervous system that is in our voluntary control) and the autonomic nervous system (the nervous system that we do not control consciously.) The autonomic system is part of the nervous system that controls our internal organs like heart and lungs.
The point Sri Yukteshwar is trying to make is that since our heart never stops beating or our lungs never stop breathing, our autonomic system never rests even when we sleep. He then points out that if we use Pranayama properly we can give our Autonomic nervous system rest and allow it to reinvigorate itself:
“If man can control these involuntary nerves by Pranayama, he can stop the natural decay of the material body and put the involuntary nerves to rest periodically, as he does with his voluntary nerves in sleep. After such rest by Pranayama the involuntary nerves become refreshed and work with newly replenished life”. He then continues, “In that way he saves his body from premature decay that overtakes most men…”
From ancient times Pranayama has been widely accepted as something by which we can maintain good health and elongate life. This essay throws some light on how Pranayama works. Now let us resolve to put this knowledge to use by making the practice of Pranayama a regular part of our daily schedule.
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Credits:This has been written by Raj Shah and edited by Ketna Shah.