ASTROLOGICAL & MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA- CURE FOR HORMONAL IMBALANCES (PCOD/PCOS)

Pranayama is an ancient yogic practice that has been performed by many people all over the world. It is a breathing technique that requires you to control your breath. It is associated with numerous benefits for our overall health. Prana or energy is the life force that helps us to live on this planet. By regularly performing Pranayama, we can increase our prana-shakti. In yogic practice, pranayama techniques are used to manipulate the breath in order to influence the flow of prana in the body. This is believed to have numerous physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Different pranayama techniques can have different effects, such as calming the mind, increasing energy levels, or promoting relaxation. Pranayama is often practiced in conjunction with yoga asanas and meditation. It is considered an essential part of the holistic approach to yoga, helping to harmonize and balance the body and mind.

The Pranayama technique that is of focus in this article is the Nadi Shodhana or alternate nostril breathing. It has numerous benefits- 

1. Balances the Nervous System: Nadi Shodhana helps to balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain and the corresponding nadis (energy channels), which promotes overall mental stability and clarity. 

2. Calms the Mind: The rhythmic and slow breathing pattern induces a state of relaxation and reduces anxiety, stress, and mental fatigue. 

3. Enhances Respiratory Efficiency: By encouraging deep, diaphragmatic breathing, Nadi Shodhana improves lung capacity and oxygenation of the blood. 

4. Cleanses and Purifies Nadis: The term "Nadi Shodhana" literally means "channel cleansing." Regular practice is believed to clear blockages in the energy channels (nadis), allowing for a smoother flow of prana (life force energy). 

5. Supports Heart Health: Slow and controlled breathing in Nadi Shodhana can help lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart, supporting cardiovascular health. 

6. Improves Focus and Concentration: The balancing effect on the brain hemispheres enhances cognitive function, concentration, and mental clarity.

In vedic astrology, we associate the planet Saturn with vayu or air. Saturn is the planet which is also associated with our longevity and the prana that we have is strongly connected with our longevity. Pranayama is also known to balance the tridosha- Vatta, Pitta and Kapha in our body. In Ayurveda, Vayu (air) is one of the three doshas (bio-energies) along with Pitta (fire) and Kapha (earth/water). Vayu governs movement, nervous system functions, and various physiological processes related to air and wind in the body.

Through personal research in this area, I have found that this yogic practice of regularly performing Nadi Shodhana or alternate nostril breathing for minimum 20 minutes everyday can help to improve hormonal imbalances in a female body by atleast 70%. It is a very strong and effective remedy to improve the symptoms of PCOS/PCOD like hirsutism and acne. The nakshatra of Ashwini is also connected with alternative medicine and healing. Ashwin Kumaras were twin brothers, considered the physicians of the gods in Hindu mythology. They are believed to be the sons of Surya and Sanjna, though their birth is somewhat mystical and tied to a divine event. This constellation is also strongly connected with nostrils as the Ashwin Kumaras were born through the nostrils. Aswini is ruled by the planet Ketu.

Ketu is seen as a significator of spiritual pursuits and inner growth. In yoga, practitioners aim to transcend the material world and connect with higher consciousness. Ketu’s influence can inspire a deep yearning for spiritual knowledge and enlightenment. Ketu is associated with detachment from worldly desires and attachments. Similarly, yoga encourages practitioners to cultivate detachment (vairagya) from material pursuits and to focus on inner peace and contentment. Ketu is linked to past life karma and spiritual lessons that need to be learned in this lifetime. Yoga philosophy emphasizes the idea of karma and its role in shaping one’s present circumstances and spiritual evolution.

This technique works like a miracle and I would urge anyone reading this who is suffering from any kind of feminine hormonal imbalance to try this safe and effective practice of alternate nostril breathing and spread this to others. In case you have a combination of Jupiter-Ketu/ Saturn-Ketu or Venus-Ketu in your chart, then also you should definitely perform Pranayama as it would also help to improve the quality of your Saturn and Ketu.