WISDOM
Every Breath You Take T H E B E N E F I T S O F P R A N AYA M A By Emily Wedepohl
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reathwork has been around for hundreds of years. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written some 2500 years ago, the practice of breath control or breath therapy is termed pranayama, and it is one of eight ‘limbs’ of Ashtanga or Classical Yoga. Pranayama is a Sanskrit word derived from prana - meaning life force or breath - and ayama, which means stretching or restraining. Pranayama can thus be roughly translated to mean breath suspension or control. It is believed that controlling the breath determines the flow of energy and ‘life force’ throughout the body. In Hatha yoga texts and ancient Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s sutras, pranayama refers to the complete cessation of breathing. While there are some pranayama practices that involve stopping or holding the breath for extended periods of time, the majority of pranayama practised in modern times is focused on the control of the breath’s duration, flow and rhythm.
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Breathwork or breath therapy is said to help with a number of things, including sharpening concentration and focus, reducing stress and anxiety, calming the body, improving or maintaining lung capacity, promoting cardiovascular health, boosting the mood, and preserving longevity. Breath exercises are often paired with holistic health practices such as meditation and mindfulness, and disciplines such as yoga, tai chi and qigong. There are a number of breathwork masters around the world, including our very own Dr Ela Manga – a South African medical doctor who incorporates breathwork into her practice - as well as Dan Brul , a celebrated breathwork coach who has worked with celebrities, Navy Seals and, notably, world-renowned philanthropist, author and life coach Tony Robbins. Breathwork is a popular and well-loved practice, and can be employed for a number of different uses due to its wide range of uniquely beneficial techniques.
