Pranayama myths debunked
Everything you need to know about breathwork
Pranayama - maybe you have heard this term in a yoga class or seen people online talking about it. But what exactly is it?
By definition:
Prana means “vital life force” or “energy”. And the practice of pranayama is when we learn to control the flow of that prana throughout the body.
The practice of pranayama is as, if not more important than the practice of the physical postures of yoga. It is believed that when we can control the breath, we have truly mastered the self and gain deeper understanding of consciousness. The practice of pranayama has deep cultural roots in Hindu tradition, and should not be dismissed as a physical practice. It is a much more meaningful tradition that has shaped the way in which the modern world perceives breathwork.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misleading advice on pranayama online, and a lot of people view it as an “add on” to the physical practice…
So here’s 5 of the biggest myths about pranayama debunked for you so you can gain a better understanding of this amazing practice:
1) Practicing pranayama is dangerous for those with health conditions.
Let me preface by saying you should always consult your medical advisor before practicing something new if you have a history of medical issues. And I would always recommend my students to practice with caution whether they have health problems or not. The majority of pranayama practices can be modified for people who have issues such as asthma, high or low blood pressure or heart conditions. And if you are practicing with a certified teacher, they SHOULD know the safe variations to offer you. I would not let your medical conditions put you off practicing, in fact, some pranayamas can be beneficial for those with medical issues. Not to mention how amazing pranayama can be at helping people with certain health issues surrounding the metabolism, circulation, nervous and immune system.
2) pranayama is an advanced practice not suitable for beginners
WRONG! As you progress with your pranayama practice then of course you can begin to hold the breath for longer periods of time. But practices like Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari are all suitable for beginners. Read this blog post about beginner breathwork to find your feet with this wonderful practice.
3) Pranayama is just about holding your breath
Technically a big part of pranayama is the ability to retain the breath (Kumbhaka) but it is not the main goal. The goal of pranayama is to connect you with the breath and body, it’s a mindfulness practice that brings you a heightened sense of mental clarity and self awareness. Please do not worry if you cannot hold the breath for long durations or at all. There is more to pranayama than holding your breath.
4) Pranayama should only be done on an empty stomach
While pranayama is often done on an empty stomach, it is not required. Practicing on an empty stomach may make it more comfortable and easy but other than that, pranayama can be done virtually anytime of day. It’s important to note that each pranayama has a different effect, so focus your practice on what you want to feel (for example, if you want to cool down the body - use Bhramari breathing).
5) I need to prepare for pranayama with props and equipment
Pranayama literally only requires you. No props, warm up or cool down. Nothing. All you need is you, your focus and a bit of time. It is the easiest practice to start.
Hope this helps clear up some misconceptions about pranayama!🩷
