According Gheranda Samhita about Yoga. article

The Gheranda Samhita is a classical text on Hatha Yoga, which is believed to have been composed in India around the 17th century. It is one of the three major texts on Hatha Yoga, along with the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Shiva Samhita. The Gheranda Samhita describes various techniques of Hatha Yoga, including asanas (physical postures), mudras (gestures), bandhas (locks), and pranayama (breathing exercises).

The Gheranda Samhita describes a total of 8 pranayama techniques. These techniques are designed to control the flow of prana, or life force energy, in the body, and are said to have a wide range of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Each of these pranayama techniques is described in detail in the text, along with their benefits and precautions.

Yoga is a term used to describe a set of practices that originated in ancient India. These practices are designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means to join or unite. The ultimate goal of yoga is to unite the body, mind, and spirit in order to achieve a state of liberation, or enlightenment.

Gheranda Samhita is an ancient text that describes the practice of yoga. It was written by the sage Gheranda and is considered one of the most important texts on yoga. According to Gheranda Samhita, there are eight limbs of yoga that include Yama (ethical codes), Niyama (self-discipline), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (the ultimate state of enlightenment).

Pranayama is one of the eight limbs of yoga, and it refers to the practice of breath control. According to Gheranda Samhita, pranayama is essential for achieving spiritual progress. Pranayama involves controlling and regulating the breath in order to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

There are several types of pranayama that are described in Gheranda Samhita, including Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), Ujjayi (victorious breath), Bhastrika (bellows breath), and Kapalbhati (skull shining breath).

Nadi Shodhana is a practice of alternate nostril breathing that is designed to balance the body's energy channels. According to Gheranda Samhita, this practice helps to clear the mind, improve concentration, and enhance the flow of prana, or life force energy.

Ujjayi is a practice of deep breathing that is done through the nose with the mouth closed. This type of breathing is also known as "ocean breathing" because it produces a sound that resembles the waves of the sea. According to Gheranda Samhita, ujjayi breathing helps to calm the mind and improve concentration.

Bhastrika is a practice of rapid inhalation and exhalation that is designed to increase oxygen supply to the body and improve circulation. This practice is also known as "bellows breath" because it resembles the pumping motion of bellows. According to Gheranda Samhita, this practice helps to stimulate the digestive system, improve mental clarity, and increase energy levels.

Kapalbhati is a practice of rapid exhalation that is designed to cleanse the lungs and respiratory system. This practice is also known as "skull shining breath" because it is believed to bring a glow to the face and improve mental clarity. According to Gheranda Samhita, this practice helps to remove toxins from the body and improve overall health and well-being.

In conclusion, according to Gheranda Samhita, yoga is a set of practices designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being. Pranayama is one of the eight limbs of yoga, and it refers to the practice of breath control. There are several types of pranayama that are described in Gheranda Samhita, including Nadi Shodhana, Ujjayi, Bhastrika, and Kapalbhati. These practices are essential for achieving spiritual progress and improving overall health and well-being.

 

 

Here is a brief description of some of the most important pranayama techniques described in the Gheranda Samhita:

1. Nadishodhana Pranayama: This technique involves alternate nostril breathing, and is said to balance the flow of prana in the body. It is also believed to calm the mind and improve concentration.

2. Bhastrika Pranayama: This technique involves rapid and forceful breathing through the nose, and is said to increase the flow of prana in the body. It is also believed to improve digestion and boost the immune system.

3. Kapalabhati Pranayama: This technique involves rapid and forceful exhalations through the nose, and is said to purify the respiratory system and increase the flow of prana in the body.

4. Ujjayi Pranayama: This technique involves breathing through a partially closed glottis, and is said to produce a soothing sound that calms the mind and reduces stress.

5. Sheetkari Pranayama: This technique involves inhaling through the mouth with a hissing sound, and is said to cool the body and reduce excess heat.

6. Sheetali Pranayama: This technique involves breathing through the mouth with a rolled tongue, and is said to cool the body and reduce excess heat.

7. Surya Bhedana Pranayama: This technique involves inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left nostril, and is said to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which increases alertness and energy.

8. Chandra Bhedana Pranayama: This technique involves inhaling through the left nostril and exhaling through the right nostril, and is said to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and rest.

Each of these pranayama techniques is described in detail in the Gheranda Samhita, along with their variations and modifications. The text also provides guidelines on the duration and frequency of each technique, as well as precautions and contraindications.

In addition to the 8 pranayama techniques, the Gheranda Samhita also describes various other techniques of Hatha Yoga, including asanas, mudras, and bandhas. These techniques are designed to balance the flow of prana in the body, and are believed to have a wide range of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.