PRANAYAMA- THE VITAL FORCE AND ITS EFFECT ON THE HUMAN THINKING AND REASONING POWER (THE BRAIN)

Abstract

Pranayama means retention of the breath or prana or vital energy, occurs through the practices of control of the prana. This paper examines various prana nigraha practices which contribute initially to changing the physiological state of the brain and are said to awaken prana in the realm of the chakras, or psychic centres, within the human body. A review of a medical examination of a yogic adept is included, which confirms the practice of pranayama to influence an individual’s brain activity. The conclusion is drawn that extensive prana nigrah practices leading into pranayama can significantly influence the physical, pranic, mental and psychic aspects of the human brain.