logo
Image placeholder

Shilpa Premnath

Yoga Teacher
Rockholm Resort



INTRODUCTION:

In this modern world, stress is an unavoidable part of everyone life. stress is a natural, physical and mental response to a situation that makes you feel anxious or overwhelmed. There are different causes for stress like work related pressures, financial concerns, relationship issues, health concerns. Physical stress like headaches, fatigue, broken sleep, digestive problems, muscle tensions. Emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression etc. Ayurveda India’s ancient healing system has an important role in stress management like pranayama, breathing techniques that controls our mind.

At Rockholm the guests experience a peaceful practices of breathing techniques and pranayama in the middle of Arabian sea. The guests who come with all the stress and problems practice pranayama and breathing exercise will helps them to find their inner peace.

WHAT IS PRANAYAMA? THE SCIENCE OF BREATH IN AYURVEDA

Pranayama is generally defined as breath control. The word pranayama is comprised of two roots: ‘prana’ plus ‘ayama’. Prana means ‘vital energy’ or life force. Ayama is defined as ‘extension’ or ‘expansion’. Thus, the word Pranayama means ‘extension or expansion of the dimension of prana’. Pranayama involves the conscious regulation of the breath to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

Image placeholder

Ayurvedic benefits of Pranayama:
Balancing the Doshas

1. Vata balancing: Pranayama helps to calm the nervous system, reducing vata imbalances.
2. Pitta balancing: Pranayama cools the body, reducing pitta inflammation and heat.
3. Kapha balancing: Pranayama helps stimulate digestion, reduce mucus, and balance Kapha.

Physical Health Benefits
1. Improves digestion: Pranayama stimulates digestive enzymes, improving nutrient absorption and reduce digestive problems.
2. Boosts immunity: Pranayama strengthens the immune system, reducing inflammation.
3. Stress relief and anxiety: Pranayama calms the nervous system reducing stress hormones. Leads to inner peace.
4. Improves sleep: Pranayama helps regulate sleep disorders and improves the quality of sleep.

PRANAYAMA TECHINIQUES FOR STRESS RELIEF AND INNER PEACE

There are many breathing exercises and pranayama techniques for reducing stress and gaining inner peace:

1. NADI SHODHANA PRANAYAMA (ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING)
This pranayama increases of and sensitivity to the breath in the nostrils Minor blockages are removed and the flow of breath in both nostrils become more balanced.

Breathing through the left nostril tends to activate the right side of the brain and breathing through right nostril tends to activate the left side of the brain.

2. BHRAMARI PRANAYAMA (HUMMING BEE BREATH)
Bhramari is a soothing pranayama technique that involves making a humming sound while exhaling, which creates vibrations in the head and calms the mind. This pranayama relieves stress and attain inner peace. Bhramari induces a harmony of mind and directing awareness inward. The vibration of the humming sound creates a soothing effect on the mind and nervous system.

3. UJJAYI PRANAYAMA (THE PSYCHIC BREATH)
Ujjayi pranayama is a tranquillizing pranayama and it also has a heating effect on the body. This practice soothes the nervous system and give inner peace. It slows downs the heart rate and is useful for people suffering from high blood pressure. This technique involves breathing slowly and deeply through the nose while slightly constricting the throat to create a gentle sound, akin to the ocean waves.

4. KAPALABHATI PRANAYAMA (FRONTAL BRAIN CLEANSING BREATH)
Kapalabhati is a powerful breathing technique that focuses more on abdomen.ie. foreceful exhalation and passive inhalation helping to detoxify the body, improve lung capacity, and stimulate the mind.

5. SHEETALI PRANAYAMA
Sheetali pranayama is a cooling pranayama. This pranayama is done by roll the sides of the tongue to a tube. It cools and reduces mental stress and attain inner peace.

Contra indications of pranayama:
1. Pranayama should not practice those who are suffering from cold, flu or fever.

2. Pranayama is not recommended those people who suffers from heart problems, high blood pressure or any major disorders.

3. Pranayama should not practice those who had any recent abdomen or chest surgery or injury.

PRANAYAMA PRACTICE AT ROCKHOLM AYURVEDA RETREAT KERALA – PATH OF INNER PEACE AND HEALING

Located in the heart of kovalam, Rockholm ayurvedic retreat is dedicated to offer holistic healing through a combination of Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, and pranayama. At this retreat, pranayama isn’t just a practice it is a transformative experience that helps guests to achieve inner peace, reduce stress, and cultivate a good lifestyle.

  • Place of practice:Place of practice: Practicing in a quiet, clean, and pleasant atmosphere.
  • Sitting position: A comfortable posture is necessary during the practice with neck and head erect. Sitting in a folded blanket or cloth of natural fibre to ensure maximum conduction of energy during the practice. Those who cannot sit in the floor can use the chair or lie down in the mat.
  • Breathing: Always breath through the nose not through the mouth. Observe the sensations of the breath as it enters and exits the nostril.
  • Mindful reflections and integration:After the practice you will feel the changes in your body and mind. Doing the practice daily can releases stress and improve the positive thoughts in our mind, and will attain the inner peace.

EXPLORE PRANAYAMA AT ROCKHOLM: A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY FOR INNER PEACE.

At Rockholm, pranayama is a holistic wellness experience for everyone. It gives our body; mind spirit a different experience. If you are seeking from stress relief. emotional healing, or simply a way to reconnect with yourself, come explore Rockholm and embark on a journey to breath deeper, live fuller and experience life its fullest potential. is the best place to explore.

FAQ’S


1. How long should I practice pranayama?
We can start with (5-10) minutes and gradually you can increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.

2. Can I practice pranayama during pregnancy?
Certain pranayama practices are avoided during pregnancy. Consult with you doctor or healthcare instructor for guidance.

3. Do I need prior experience with pranayama to attend the retreat?
No, Rockholm welcomes all the individuals of all levels from beginner to advanced practitioners. Our yoga teachers provide special guidance for all levels of guests and makes them comfortable.

REFERENCE

Asana, Pranayama, mudra, bandha , Swami Satyananda Saraswati Short History of Ayurveda, Dr. Vinod Kumar M.V.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga/pranayama/bhramari-pranayama