PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF PRANAYAMA AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN THE COVID 19 CRISIS.

Vd. Taniya Suresh Manjani*, Dr. R. S. Dhimdhime, Vd. Monika. D. Madane, Dr. Shruti Sardeshmukh and Vd. Himadri Chaudhary

ABSTRACT

“A man is known by the number of breaths he takes and not just by the number of years he lives.” Breathing in a controlled, aware manner is nothing but Pranayama. Pranayama is an age-old breathing technique described in the Ashtanga Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. It emphasises the use of different breathing techniques for the Prevention and Cure of certain diseases as well to maintain good health. The sequence of Yama, Niyama, Asana & then Pranayama is important to attain maximum fruits from the practice of Pranayama. During the year 2019-2021, we all have suffered a lot due to the ill effects of COVID 19 pandemic. Breathlessness being the chief complain in such sufferers, it makes us question that what if they were accustomed to the practice of Pranayama since long before, would they have suffered the agony because of the novel corona virus? Hence, an attempt is being made to make all of us aware of the Physiological Benefits of Pranayama and its importance in the COVID 19 crisis. Also to inculcate Pranayama as a regular measure for the prevention of diseases.

Keywords: Asana, Breathlessness, COVID 19 crisis, Cure, Good Health, Niyama, Pandemic, Pranayama, Prevention, Yama.