Use Pranayama to Maintain a Strong Energy System

Pranayama, also called pranic healing, is a yogic technique that seeks to pull in fresh energy (prana) to aid the body. Although limited to self-use, this is an extremely useful area to explore, as the applications available are marvelous.

First, let's talk about theory. Prana is energy. It exists all around us. In the circles I travel, we sometimes call it The Force. By taking control of your breathing, you can consciously pull in prana.

Energy circulates in the body, but can get slowed and stagnant. Many other techniques deal with this, but this pranic healing has a rather elegant solution: Bring in fresh prana (energy) and flush out the old. Most of the techniques replenish and maintain your system's balance.

This is good for anybody, but especially good for people who do any kind of energy work. Keeping yourself in good energetic shape is of paramount importance, and this is a valuable tool to do just that.

There are many other benefits to pranayama: The techniques increase awareness, sharpen the mind's focus, and are great at defusing stress. Anyone who follows the Karate Kid movies will remember Mr. Miyagi teaching Daniel mindfulness of his breathing and to use it as a way of gaining clarity and focus when all seemed overwhelming.

The pranayama techniques range from the simple to the complex, but most are easily learned. Many of them sound downright odd (alternate-nostril breathing? Believe it or not it's a favorite of mine.), yet each one has a massive benefit to its use.

I find that I like to use a technique to settle my mind before meditation. I'll typically do Aums for a while. Before long I'll feel that I've gotten to the right place. Then I'll meditate. Sometimes, however, I'll use these techniques instead. (Hint: Very useful when you don't want to wake someone!).

Pranayama requires nothing more than learning a few breathing routines, and has many quick-acting applications. Check it out!

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For further reading:

• Leran Pranayama Techniques.
• Return from Pranayama to the main Energy Healing Page.