Pranayama - For Better Health



Let us consider the assertion that pranayama, not asana, is the most essential yogic limb for spiritual growth and health. 


  • This viewpoint is reinforced by Jayatarama, who claims in his Jogapradipyaka that pranayama may be used to achieve any worldly or spiritual objective. 
  • When we examine the flow (svara) of breath via the left and right nostrils, we shall learn more about this claim. 
  • The ancient Vedic book Brhadyogi Yajnavalkya Smrti states that pranayama brings about complete health by eliminating all diseases of the three humours (doshas) vata, pitta, and kapha. 
  • This is confirmed by Goraksha Natha, a co-founder of the siddha movement, who claims that when prana is stopped, one is free of illness. 


The Yoga Chudamani Upanishad has a similar viewpoint, claiming that pranayama cures all illnesses and that diseases only arise in those who are unable to practice it. 

Sundaradeva, author of the Hatha Tatva Kaumudi, claims that practicing pranayama constantly and with complete dedication results in a long life and cures all vata, pitta, and kapha-related illnesses. This lesson, which has been verified by great yogis throughout history, is still relevant today. 

The Kaivalyadhama Institute in Lonavla, India, is perhaps the most significant pranayama research facility in the past century. O.P. Tiwari, the organization's current director, believes that pranayama both preserves health and elevates Kundalini to enable meditation.


Pranayama, according to Swami Ramdev, is utilized to maintain the Pranamaya kosha clean, healthy, and disease-free. 

  • The pranic sheath that links the gross body (Annamaya kosha) and the mind is known as the Pranamaya kosha (Manomaya kosha). 
  • He goes on to say that pranayama balances the digestive system, cures pulmonary, cardiac, and cerebral diseases, boosts immunity, and aids in the treatment of diabetes, cancer, hormonal issues, allergies, renal issues, and degenerative issues like hair greying, failing eyesight, and the onset of ageing.
  • Pranayama is often hailed as a cure-all for all ills. This idea, on the other hand, is most useful in preventing vata, pitta, and kapha humour imbalances. 

Pranayama should be practiced in combination with medical therapy if you are suffering from a potentially deadly illness.


You may also want to read more about Pranayama and Holistic Healing here.