Pranayama

Question 1

What is the english translation for Nadi Shodhana?

Answer 1

Alternate nostril breath/Channel purification breath

Question 2

Name some benefits of Nadi Shodhana.

Answer 2

Moves you from a Beta to an Alpha state
Reduces stress and anxiety
Brings clarity, concentration, and feeling centered
Oxygenates and energizes the entire body

Question 3

What is the theory behind Nadi Shodhana?

Answer 3

Purifies the Nadis (energy channels), of pranic blockages encouraging both Ida and Pingala Nadi to flow and enabling sushumna Nadi to flow.

Question 4

What pranayama practice is beneficial for the spleen and why?

Answer 4

Kapalabhati - for its heating properties and also because the spleen is high in the body so the movement of the diaphragm stimulates the organ.

Question 5

What pranayama practices benefit the immune system?

Answer 5

All can, depends on the scenario.
Overworked/stressed = Nadi Shodhana, full yogic
Depressed/Fatigued = Kapalabhati, Bastrika

Question 6

What is meant by Full yogic breath?

Answer 6

Three part breath technique - filling up the Abdominal, Thoracic and Clavicular areas of the chest the way you would fill up a glass with water & exhaling/emptying in the same manner.

Question 7

What are some Contra-indications for pranayama?

Answer 7

Full stomach (3 hours min)
Low Blood Pressure - Bastrika
Diagnosed HBP - Intra-abdominal pressures can increases BP
Acute Illness - including glaucoma, ear, sinus, headache
Heavy smoker
Pregnancy - restorative only
insomnia - restorative only