Kriyas, Full Breathing and Pranayama by Rutu Panjwani

3307

KRIYAS:

Kriyas are cleansing practices. In the sense, we practice kriyas daily, like bathing, washing, brushing, etc. are all Kriyas. But yogic Kriyas refer to special yoga techniques developed by yogis, meant to clean internal organs. Amongst the Kriyas, there are 6 major kriyas called Sat Kriyas.
Expample of breathing in Kriya is Kapalbhati.

FULL BREATHING:

3281794_orig
This is preparatory breathing practice for Pranayama. It corrects wrong breathing patterns and increases the vital capacity of the lungs. It has 4 primary patters:

  1.  Abdominal breathing
  2. Thoracic breathing
  3. Upper Lobar Breathing
  4. Full yogic breathing (Main)

PRANAYAMA

kapalbhati-pose
“Pranayama is control of Breath”. “Prana” is Breath or vital energy in the body. On subtle levels prana represents the pranic energy responsible for life or life force, and “ayama” means control. So Pranayama is “Control of Breath”. One can control the rhythms of pranic energy with pranayama and achieve healthy body and mind.
Example: Nadi Shonana, Shitli & Shithkari, etc…

Difference between Kriya, Full yogic breathing and Pranayama.

EffectKriyaYogic Full BreathingPranayama
1. Breathing RateAbout 120/mt. Washing away CO. and increased oxygen concentrationAbout 15/mt. Full utilization of all muscles. Normal breathingLess than 5 breathes/mt
2. Respiratory MusclesExercised BrisklyComplete movement of all groups of musclesComplete movement of all groups of muscles Controlled slow movement
3. CirculationGreatly increased,
greater concentration of oxygen in blood
Slightly increased, more oxygen can be supplied to tissuesLess demand than normal
4. Nervous systemQuick, repetitive nerve impulses, stimulating effect.Normalized nerve impulse.Reduced excitability of nerve impulses.
5. Brain cellsActivated, greater alertnessHarmonious functioning.Deep rest to brain cells.
6. Metabolic rate Increased greatly, energy expenditure is more.Normalized. Proper utilization of energy.Decreased considerably. Energy conserved and dormant energies are evoked.
7. Overall PersonalityShatter (Tamas). Creates more activenessChannelises the Rajas. Unnecessary wastage of energy is cut. Becomes more healthierPotential capabalities are evoked. Mind becomes calmer. One feels fresh, relaxed and dynamic.
8. LimitationsShould be avoided by people with High BP, Heart disease, Vertigo, Epilepsy, Hernia, Gastric ulcer, Slip disc, Spondylosis, Women during menses and advanced stage of Pregnancy.No LimitationsNo limitations except those with cold and cough should avoid Shithali and Sthithkari Pranayams.

Rutu Trivedi Panjwaniby Rutu Trivedi Panjwani