Hour 144 Yoga Therapy – Advanced Pranayama Techniques for Specific Disorders
Advanced Pranayama Techniques for Specific Disorders
Pranayama, conscious breathing control, is a subtle link between body and mind. While the basic techniques soothe the nervous system and enhance respiratory effectiveness, complex pranayama practices provide specific therapeutic effects for certain disorders. When practiced with awareness, these practices become effective tools in yoga therapy, facilitating healing on the physical, emotional, and energetic planes.
1. Bhramari Pranayama to treat Hypertension and Anxiety
Technique: Breathe in fully and breathe out slowly with a soft humming note as a bee.
Therapeutic Value: Bhramari activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering blood pressure and stress hormones. Bhramari generates a meditative condition, suppressing runaway thoughts and emotional turmoil.
Integration with Asana: Repeat after Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) to enhance relaxation. Individuals who have spinal difficulties can use a bolster for lumbar support.
Modification: For severe anxiety, eyes are lightly closed using fingers pressing the ears’ cartilage gently (Shanmukhi Mudra) to inwardize awareness further.
2. Murcha Pranayama for Psychosomatic Disorders
Technique: Breathe in slowly, retain breath, lower the head slightly back (Jalandhara Bandha), and concentrate between the eyebrows. Release after several seconds of exhalation.
Caution: Must be practiced only under expert guidance and avoided by individuals with low blood pressure or heart ailments.
Therapeutic Value: Murcha induces a sense of surrender and ego dissolution, making it valuable for chronic stress, obsessive thoughts, and psychosomatic patterns rooted in over-identification with mental constructs.
Asana Preparation: Begin with Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold) to calm the nerves and reduce sympathetic arousal.
Modification: For novices or sensitive persons, decrease breath holding time and exclude bandhas.
3. Surya Bhedana for Asthma and Respiratory Weakness
Technique: Breathe in through the right nostril, hold the breath, and breathe out through the left nostril.
Therapeutic Value: Surya Bhedana activates the sympathetic nervous system and raises heat, which aids in eliminating Kapha-related obstructions in the lungs, enhancing breathing capacity.
Asana Integration: Do Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist) prior to pranayama to loosen the thoracic cage and assist lung function.
Modification: Individuals with heart disease may omit retention (Kumbhaka) and do only inhalation and exhalation.
4. Ujjayi Pranayama for Thyroid Imbalances and Sleep Disorders
Technique: Breathe in and out with a delicate contraction of the throat, creating a soft whispering sound.
Therapeutic Value: Ujjayi massages the thyroid gland, stabilizes the nervous system, and brings deep internalization, thus is useful in the cases of insomnia, hyperthyroidism, and emotional instability.
Asana Complement: Practice following Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) or Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) which directly stimulate the throat region.
Modification: In the case of neck pain or cervical issues, substitute shoulder stand with a supported bridge using a block under the sacrum.
Integration in Yoga Therapy Sessions
Progressive pranayama should always be introduced gradually, with close watch on the student’s state. The breath can be both diagnostic and healing. In conjunction with suitable asanas and therapeutic outcomes, pranayama improves the practitioner’s internal rhythm, restoring gradually balance between body, breath, and mind.
In proportion to deeper awareness of the flow of prana, the healing becomes less physical and is more transformative.