Bhraman Pranayama (Walking Pranayama)

Etymology and Origins of Bhraman Pranayama

PrÄá¹‡ÄyÄma is the practice of breath control in Yoga. The Sanskrit word Pranayama can be decomposed into Prana (life energy) and Ayama (to extend, draw out). The idea, development and practice of Pranayama date back to the ancient Indian Vedic period. In texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and later in Hatha yoga texts, it was discussed in detail. In modern Yoga practice, it consists of synchronizing the breath with movements between asanas but is also a distinct breathing exercise on its own. In addition to the seating pose of Padma Asana (Lotus Pose) Pranayama, Walking Pranayama has become a very popular and universally accepted Yoga practice for strengthening the functions of the lungs, heart and whole body. You may call it “Mobile Meditation.”

Most people understand walking as an exercise, not a form of Yoga. It is not incorrect. When you learn the breathing technique, you will be convinced that it an integral part of Yoga walking. Moreover, most people who are accustomed to Walking as an Exercise do not know how to walk, how to take breathing, how to use the steps while walking.

There is an old saying in India: Walking is the mother of all exercises. Let us check what it does.

How to do Bhraman Pranayama?

Step by Step Instructions of Bhraman Pranayama

First of all, when you decide to walk, you have to choose a place where there is no pollution.
In humid regions, most pollutants come down to the low levels in dusk and dawn, particularly along the roads.
So please be careful in selecting the space where you will walk. In most developing countries, roads are not at all safe for walking, because most roads are uneven, highly congested and unruly to endanger your life.
The best option is to go for walking in a playground or lawn, or riverside or best at your rooftop.
In the Western world including Japan and South Korea, there are beautiful free roads to do walking Pranayama.
The best time for walking is morning or evening. You should keep in mind that your stomach should not be full, do it after morning duty in the washroom, then tea and biscuits.
When you begin the walking, you have to inhale full lung in 6, or 8 seconds or 6 to 8 steps and exhale in 10, or 12 seconds or steps, depending on your lung capacity.
That is, 4 seconds more for exhaling your full lungs.
But while inhaling or exhaling, never make sounds, it should be done silently, smoothly and in a continuous process such that even a person by your side can not listen to your breathing.
You can breathe normally after every 10 minutes, and then again count the seconds by steps as above.
If you practice this for a prolonged period, you will be happy to see that you can inhale for more than 10 seconds and exhale for more than 14 seconds. That is, always more time for exhaling.
You can rebuild your lungs and heart, and other organs will get all derivative advantages.

What dress to use during walking?

Always use sports shoes or boots and trousers while walking.
It will help you maintain the rhythm in walking.
Here also, most people in developing countries do not use sports shoes. That may hamper your legs, toe, heels and knees in the future.
Never carry side bags, or mobiles with you when walking. They will hamper your walking rhythm and breathing.

Benefits of Bhraman Pranayama

Anatomical Focus and Disease Control

After you make the mastery over Yoga Walking, your Liver, Spleen, Lungs, Respiratory System, Heart, Stomach, Digestive mechanism and Blood will be immensely improved.
They will work in a collective spirit.
Your immunity power will be strengthened, aging will decline.
Your blood will be purified.

Benefits for Girls and Women

Girls will remain girls after becoming women.
Their flexibility and fitness will be strengthened.
Their fat in the belly and hips will be reduced.
They will remain young for a long time.

Precautions

The very 1^st restriction is that smoking is strictly prohibited during Walking Pranayama.
Do not practice this Yoga Walking in the polluted area.
Do not talk on the mobile phone when walking.
Do not allow your mind to undesirable thoughts while walking.
Even if you walk in a group, finish the 1^st phase of walking, then during tea and gossip.
Continue again with strict discipline. No problem.
Your Body-Mind-Soul will collectively promote your happiness, productivity and fertility.
Girls and women should judge whether they are able to do it during their menstrual cycle.