What is Pranayama in Yoga

• Pranayama consists of the breathing techniques which are related to the control of breath or respiratory process. Pranayama popularly known as yogic breathing, involves a conscious manipulation of our breathing pattern.
• The health of the respiratory system depends upon the quality as well as the quantity of air inhaled by the person. It also depends on the rhythm and completeness of the breathing. Through pranayama, a practitioner advantageously works with her/his respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems which bring about emotional stability and peace of mind.
• Pranayama has three phases known as puraka, rechaka and kumbhaka. Puraka is the controlled inhalation; rechaka is controlled exhalation and kumbhaka is controlled retention of breath.
• Initially, the exhalation (rechaka) may be only a little more prolonged in comparison with inhalation. Insistence on 1:2 ratio in the beginning may prove counterproductive. As we practice, 1:2 ratio is reached in natural manner.

Guidelines for the Practice of Pranayama :- 

1. • Pranayama should be done preferably after the practice of asanas.
2. • Breathing in pranayama should be done through the nose only except sheetali and sheetkari.
3. • During pranayama, there should not be strain in facial muscles, eyes, ears, neck, shoulders or any other part of the body.
4. • During pranayama, eyes should remain closed.
5. • In the beginning, one should be aware about the natural flow of the breathing. Make inhalation and exhalation prolonged in a gradual manner.
6. • While observing breathing, attend to your abdominal movement which bulges a bit during inhalation and goes in a bit during exhalation.
7. • In the beginning stage one should gradually learn to maintain the 1:2 ratio of breathing which means exhalation time should be double the inhalation. However, while practising pranayama, do not make haste in resorting to any of the above mentioned ideal ratio.

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TOP YOGA MCQs Questions and Answers

1. Which is the Sanskrit root (verb form) for the etymological derivation of the word “Yoga”?
(A) Yug
(B) Yuge
(C) Yuj
(D) Yuje

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2. Who was the Yoga Guru of Swami Kuvalayananda?
(A) Pattabhi Jois
(B) T. Krishnamacharya
(C) Madhav Das
(D) Yogendra

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Answer ⇒ { C }

3. Which of the following practice leads to immortality, according to Ishavasyopanishad?
(A) Vairagya
(B) Viveka
(C) Vidya
(D) Vishaya

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Answer ⇒ { C }

4. Definition of Yoga according to Kathopanishad is
(A) Control on mind
(B) Control on sense organs, mind and intellect
(C) Control on sense organs and intellect
(D) Control on body and mind

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Answer ⇒ { B }

5. How many types of Kundalini by nature are described in Siddha Siddhant Paddhati?
(A) 02
(B) 03
(C) 04
(D) 06

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Answer ⇒ { A }

6. Which Upanishad described the ‘Shandilya Vidya’?
(A) Kathopanishad
(B) Brihadaranyakopanishad
(C) Aitareyopanishad
(D) Chhandogyopanishad

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Answer ⇒ { D }

7. Which of the following are the types of Pranayama, according to Patanjala Yoga Sutra?
I. Stambhavritti Pranayama
II. Sahita Pranayama
III. Bahyabhyantara Vishayakshepi Pranayana
IV. Kevali Pranayama
Use the codes given below for correct answer:
(A) I and II are correct.
(B) II and III are correct.
(C) I and III are correct.
(D) II and IV are correct.

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Answer ⇒ { C }

8. Given below are two statements, labelled as Assertion (A), and a Reason (R). Indicate your answer from the alternatives below:
Assertion (A): Pashchimōttanasana is contraindicated in sciatica.
Reason (R): Pashchimōttanasana is a type of forward bending asana.
All types of forward bending asanas should be contraindicated in sciatica. In the context of above two statements, which one of the following is correct?
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.

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Answer ⇒ { A }

9. In which of the following text ‘Bhujangikaran’ Pranayama is described?
(A) Yoga Vashishtha
(B) Shiva Samhita
(C) Hatha Ratnavali
(D) Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati

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Answer ⇒ { C }

10. What do you understand by the term ‘Adhi’?
(A) Physical disorders originated in Annamaya Kosha.
(B) Mental/Emotional disorders originated in Manomaya Kosha.
(C) Mental/Emotional disorders originated in Annamaya Kosha.
(D) Physical disorders originated in Manomaya Kosha.

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Answer ⇒ { B }

11. Which day is celebrated as ‘International Day of Yoga’?
(A) June 20
(B) June 21
(C) June 22
(D) June 23
Answer ⇒ ????