The Science of Pranayama
The autonomic nervous system is your body's control room. It also manages your stress response.
The autonomic nervous system has two modes:
- Sympathetic (fight or flight).
- Parasympathetic (rest and digest).
When you're under stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to a cascade of physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, rapid and shallow breathing, and heightened alertness. Continuous activation of the sympathetic mode can lead to chronic stress, which can then lead to long-term health issues.
Pranayama is the Yogic practice of breath management
Pranayama is a powerful way to switch from the sympathetic mode to parasympathetic mode. From stress to relaxation.
From my 5-week course training:
"When we breathe in, we activate the sympathetic (stress) nervous system. When we breathe out, we activate the parasympathetic (relaxation) nervous system. By increasing the ratio of time spent in the out-breath, we relax the body. This sends signals to the brain that all is well."
Over time, this helps shift the balance away from the stress response and towards a state of relaxation.
In addition, Pranayama techniques improve oxygen circulation throughout the body, further promoting relaxation. The focus on the breath also cultivates mindfulness, allowing you to become more aware of your mental and physical state.
Regular Pranayama practices are a powerful first step for managing stress by working directly with the autonomic nervous system. By consciously shifting into parasympathetic mode, you give your body and mind a chance to rest, recover, and build resilience against future stressors.
Pranayama, along with the other stress management and meditation techniques I teach, is a pathway to improved wellbeing.
Check out my training options here and on the Bromley Mindfulness website: