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Pranayama Yoga begins with the art
of proper breathing; from there it moves through dozens
of techniques aimed at rejuvenating the nervous system
through controlling the flow of the energy in the nerves.
Ultimately, pranayama means
energy control. Many of the methods learned here, are
combined with the other forms of yoga. It is a fundamental
part of Hatha yoga practice (traditionally) as there
are specific techniques for rejuvenating each gland
or organ, for releasing stress or boosting hormonal
productions, for empowering the muscles etc. Likewise
there are techniques for clearing the mind, weeding
out old negative thought patterns, and bringing peace
of mind. Some of the breathing methods are used to induce
deep relaxation and meditative states, there are even
some for leaving the body. Add to this a detailed look
at what deep breathing does to the oxygen levels within
the body and how that changes body chemistry...
This Yoga develops the 3rd Chakra: Manipura.
The fire element. This means that which is energy within
your being. In fire you find that material things are
burnt and thereby transformed into different elements.
Heat and light are given off.
This energy of transformation is central to this chakra.
Change, action and movement. Rather than the forces
which hold things together as in the first two chakras
- this one is more like the power of dissolution. At
this level things change. Your own ability to use this
force is manifested in your ability to change yourself
and situations in your life.
The digestive system is plugged into this energy, the
endocrine gland connected here is the pancreas. This
is the system which provides energy and power to the
physical being, changing the food you eat into heat
and motion. The pancreas produces insulin which flows
out through the body to allow blood sugar to be changed
into energy at any time. This gland also produces thousands
of enzymes which are coded to change food molecules
into more essential components that are required for
body maintenance.
Eyes and sight are the sense organs connected to this
chakra, allowing us to see color and form. Light itself
is another form of pure energy.
Yellow is the color of the energy at this center. Just
like the sun, this is likened to the color of the solar
plexus.
Physically we find that our action comes from this
center, and in relation to that the will to carry out
action also comes from here. All changes in action,
habits and thought patterns come through this power.
Here is the chakra of empowerment for most things in
the world.
Mentally there is a degree of creativity here that
comes with changing ideas around to come up with new
plans.
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