Pranayama Aftereffect

1 week ago By Yogi Anoop

One More Side Effect of Pranayama: The Generation of Sound and Its Impact

Pranayama is an integral part of yoga, which can be a wonderful means of balancing the body and mind. However, failing to exercise caution during its practice can lead to serious side effects. This risk is particularly high for individuals with a Vata-Pitta constitution. If a sound is produced in the breath during pranayama, it can adversely affect physical and mental health. Let us understand this logically: why there should be no sound in the breath and how it impacts the body.

People with a Vata and Pitta constitution naturally prefer swiftness. This swiftness manifests in pranayama as well, causing unnecessary force to be applied while inhaling and exhaling, resulting in the production of sound in the breath. This sound is an indication that the breathing process is no longer natural. When this happens, several effects occur in the body, which can be understood through the following points:

Generation of Heat in the Nose and Throat: Forcible breathing causes friction on the inner surfaces of the nose and throat, which transforms into heat. This heat creates an imbalance in sensitive organs such as the nose, eyes, mouth, ears, and brain. If this mistake is repeated frequently, the heat can become permanent. The moisture inside the nose, which balances the breath and keeps the mind calm, gradually decreases. This leads to difficulty in breathing and increased restlessness, due to which a person may either abandon pranayama or fall prey to a bigger problem.

Impact on the Eyes and Brain: The heat from the nose and throat reaches the eyes, causing dryness and irritation. Daily activities become troublesome, and vision may weaken. This heat spreads to the brain, increasing mental stress, irritability, and restlessness. Many people become angry or experience mental instability. Problems such as dryness of the mouth, imbalance in saliva, and tension in the head may also arise, which affect the process of digestion.

Effect on the Ears and Sinuses: Excessive force in breathing creates pressure in the ears, causing them to ring. This condition can become permanent, potentially damaging hearing ability. Additionally, dryness increases in the sinus area, leading to a sensation of heaviness and heat in the head.

The result of these effects is that heat increases in the body, and the person becomes mentally and physically imbalanced. Doctors often mistake this for a gastric issue or mental disorder and prescribe medications that do not address the root cause. In some cases, the person is referred to a psychiatrist, which further exacerbates their distress.

The solution is simple. Keep the breath natural and effortless during pranayama. Ensure that no sound is produced while inhaling and exhaling by breathing slowly and calmly. If a sensation of increasing heat is felt, slow down the technique. If irritation in the eyes, dryness in the mouth, or pressure in the ears is experienced, stop pranayama immediately and rest.

Pranayama is a subtle and profound practice. When performed incorrectly, especially if sound is produced in the breath, it can become a cause of serious problems. People with a Vata-Pitta constitution should take special care not to practice it hastily and to avoid generating sound. Only when practiced with the correct method does pranayama prove to be a boon for the body and mind.

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