Pranayam is a control over your breathing or the regulation of life force or 'Pran'. Pranayam is very complex procedure, but neither is it something that can be trifled with. The ancient Sanskrit from India texts state that Pranayam properly done can cure all diseases, but wrongly done will only invite diseases. This Yoga System consists of eight main steps and is therefore called "Ashtang Yog System".

Pranayam is the fourth step in this eight step Yoga System. It comes after yam, niyam and asan. So the first indicator is, it should be undertaken after getting at least reasonable degree of proficiency in the asans. Control of the body through posture is the first step, control of the breath is the second, which will eventually lead to the control of the pran or life force.

Breathing is an automatic process controlled by the autonomic nervous system. We do not have any conscious control over it. Just think what a mess we make of the things we have conscious control on like our control on diet. Therefore we ought to exercise extreme caution before trying to meddle with something that God thought it best to keep away from our hands. Thus it is harmful to exercise Pranayam without 'Guru'.

Some preparatory steps are required before we start with 'Pranayam'. Naadi- Shuddhi is the one step which is mandatory as told by ancient Yogis. Practice the above for at least a week. Now we can begin the actual nadi-shodhana.

1 - Block right nostril, inhale through left. Block left, Release right, exhale through right
2 - Inhale through right while left stays blocked
3 - Release left, block right, exhale through left.

Regular practice of this steps will be beneficial and will fetch results like good sound quality production, high concentration etc. Only after this Nadi-shuddhi, the person qualifies for Pranayam.

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