On June 21, 2016, people all over the world celebrated the International Day of Yoga. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, this holistic approach to personal wellbeing, which originated in India over 5,000 years ago, is now openly recognized for its role in healthy living.
The most recent Health Awareness Lecture hosted by BAPS Charities on June 25, 2016 in Boston, MA dug deeper into this ancient science by covering one of the eight limbs of ashtanga yoga: Pranayam. Literally translated as “breath control,” pranayam involves various exercises associated with the intake and output of oxygen and carbon dioxide, respectively.
Dipan Patel presented the lecture and highlighted numerous health benefits that can be experienced from performing pranayam on a regular basis, including decreased blood pressure, improved circulation and digestive functions, and reduced stress related disorders to name a few. Related to the practicing pranayam, the lecture described the different components of a single breath as well as the ideal environment in which it should be practiced. Four breathing exercises (Bhastrika, Kapalbharti, Bahya, Anulom-vilom (Nadi Shodhan)) and three meditation exercises (Brahmri, Udgeeth-Omkar Japa, Pranav) were described and the importance of correct technique was emphasized through various demonstrations.
