Anulom Vilom Pranayama

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INTRODUCTION & PROCEDURE:

• 1. The word Anu means "with", Loma means "natural inspiratory flow" and Viloma means "opposite with natural inspiratory flow".
• 2. There are three segments to practice anuloma viloma kriya.
  

  a. Inhalation

  b. Retention

  c. Exhalation

• 3. During the practice while breathing in, lungs expand and Diaphragm is pushed down whereas in breathing out lungs get squeezed and Diaphragm pushes up.
• 4. Normal practice of inhalation, retention and exhalation are all of equal duration.
• 5. Advanced students may go for a longer duration to hold breath, using ratios such as 1:4:2 (one beat inhale, four beats retention, and a two beat exhale).

BENEFITS:

• 1. It helps in balancing the body temperature and relieving stress
• 2. It helps in cleansing the nadis in our body.
• 3. It even helps in improving blood circulation and promotes longevity.
• 4. This pranayama can be practiced all the year round and by all age groups.

PRECAUTIONS:

• 1. In this practice, one must breathe into our lungs and not into our stomach.
• 2. It is applicable to all diseases but with gradual process

MEDITATIONAL POINTS:

• 1. This practice of pranayama helps in meditative posture to focus on all seven chakras.
• 2. While practicing one should start focusing on Ajna chakra for complete concentration.