Pranayama - The Yogic Art of Breathing
Mentor Information
Holly Donahue Singh (Judy Genshaft Honors College)
Description
This research examines the understanding of the body and health as practiced in South Asia, though the practice of pranayama. Pranayama is the process by which breathing is regulated and controlled for health benefits. Various types of pranayama are followed, each which produce unique results. The examination of clinical trials helps in examining the scientific validity of practices like pranayama indicates the relevance of pranic healing in modern contexts. Various chronic illnesses and health problems, such as asthma and cardiovascular issues can be improved greatly through the regular practice of pranayama. Furthermore, the analysis of the process of yoga commodification or yoga tourism can also be used to understand how yoga is extrapolated to fit Western health, as well as how ideas of healing travel throughout the world. The conclusions of this research indicate that pranayama, and yoga more broadly, is an essential part of healing throughout the world, which has often been extrapolated from its traditional roots, changing its significance and meaning. Thus, it is important to understand these traditional practices from their traditional roots to best integrate these practices into Western medicine.
Pranayama - The Yogic Art of Breathing
This research examines the understanding of the body and health as practiced in South Asia, though the practice of pranayama. Pranayama is the process by which breathing is regulated and controlled for health benefits. Various types of pranayama are followed, each which produce unique results. The examination of clinical trials helps in examining the scientific validity of practices like pranayama indicates the relevance of pranic healing in modern contexts. Various chronic illnesses and health problems, such as asthma and cardiovascular issues can be improved greatly through the regular practice of pranayama. Furthermore, the analysis of the process of yoga commodification or yoga tourism can also be used to understand how yoga is extrapolated to fit Western health, as well as how ideas of healing travel throughout the world. The conclusions of this research indicate that pranayama, and yoga more broadly, is an essential part of healing throughout the world, which has often been extrapolated from its traditional roots, changing its significance and meaning. Thus, it is important to understand these traditional practices from their traditional roots to best integrate these practices into Western medicine.
