Pranayama Before or After Asanas ?

2 months ago By Yogi Anoop

Pranayama Before or After Asanas? Yogi Anoop Explains

Student: Sir is it necessary to practice pranayama before or after asanas?

Yogi Anoop: That’s a very insightful question. Pranayama is indeed a core part of yoga, and its practice needs to be done properly. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some yoga experts suggest practicing pranayama after asanas, which makes sense in certain ways.

Student: Could you explain why pranayama should follow asanas?

Yogi Anoop: Certainly! There are a few important reasons. First, before practicing pranayama, your body and nerves need to be prepared. Asanas help in this preparation. For example:

1.The lungs: Before working on the lungs in pranayama, it’s important to work on the back, especially the spine. This practice is best done through asanas. It increases the expansion of the lungs and chest, making pranayama much easier.

2.The spine: If the spine is stretched before pranayama, it allows the flow of prana more swiftly. A straight posture becomes easier to maintain, facilitating better pranayama practice.

3.The body’s warmth: Pranayama works more effectively when the body’s temperature is slightly raised. A light practice of asanas helps in warming the body, which improves blood circulation and enhances oxygen absorption. Without this warmth, pranayama may not be as effective. Asanas help avoid stiffness and prevent blockages in the body, which increases the effectiveness of pranayama.

Student: So, does that mean we should always do asanas before pranayama?

Yogi Anoop: Not necessarily. Pranayama can be practiced without asanas when your body and mind are well-trained in it. However, in cases of physical weakness or specific conditions, I sometimes suggest doing pranayama before asanas. There are also times when I recommend lying down and practicing pranayama instead of sitting. This approach has provided me with numerous benefits.

Student: Is there any situation where practicing pranayama before asanas is easier?

Yogi Anoop: Yes, in certain situations, practicing pranayama before asanas can be quite beneficial. In these cases, it helps to establish a good flow of blood and oxygen in the brain, making the body more prepared for asanas afterward. Over time, with consistent practice, your body and mind become capable of doing pranayama after asanas. There are also cases where practicing pranayama while lying down can help awaken the nadis (energy channels) in the body. 

Student: What deeper meaning does pranayama have, Yogi Anoop?

Yogi Anoop: Pranayama is much more than just breathing. It is deeply connected to your thoughts, emotions, and every part of your body. As you practice, the experience deepens.

1.Rhythm: As the rhythm of your breath increases, your body and mind start to synchronize.

2.Conscious connection: Pranayama is about feeling each breath and observing how it flows through your body, creating a profound connection.

3.After months or even years of consistent practice, pranayama itself becomes a form of meditation, leading you to a deep sense of self-awareness.

Student: And after practicing pranayama, what should we do?

Yogi Anoop: After pranayama, it’s important to avoid any physical activity right away. This is because during pranayama, your body and mind achieve a state of balance and stillness.

1.Do not overstimulate the senses. Allow the calm to settle in after your practice.

2.Immediately practicing asanas or exercises could disrupt this delicate balance.

3.This is a time for both your body and mind to remain cool and steady. Choose a pranayama technique that suits your nature, and end with it. Experienced practitioners always remember this.

Student: How does one ensure effective pranayama practice?

Yogi Anoop:Pranayama is a gradual process. In the beginning, light physical activity, such as asanas, helps prepare the body. As you progress, pranayama itself becomes a meditative practice, where you experience deep inner awareness. Approach it with discipline, and over time, you will feel its profound benefits.

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