Quiz #3 - Pranayama & Mudra

Yogic breathing is a combination of all these three breathings.

Sahajoli mudra is a hand gesture or pose that is specifically designed for women. It is believed to help in strengthening the pelvic muscles and improving overall reproductive health. This mudra is often practiced during meditation or yoga sessions to enhance the connection between the mind and body. Therefore, the given answer "True" is correct as it accurately states that Sahajoli mudra is indeed for women.

The word "prana" refers to vital energy. In various Eastern philosophies and practices, prana is believed to be the life force or life energy that permeates all living beings. It is thought to be responsible for maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Prana is often associated with breath and is believed to be absorbed through breathing exercises and meditation.

Vyana is the prana that passes through the whole body. Prana refers to the life force energy that flows through our body, and there are different types of prana that have specific functions. Apana is responsible for elimination and downward movement, Udana is associated with upward movement and speech, and vyana is the prana that circulates throughout the entire body. It helps with the overall coordination and functioning of different bodily systems, ensuring that energy is distributed evenly and harmoniously.

Antar Kumbhaka, or internal breathing retention, is easier compared to Bahir Kumbhaka, or external breathing retention. This is because during Antar Kumbhaka, the breath is held inside the body, allowing for more control and stability. On the other hand, Bahir Kumbhaka requires holding the breath outside the body, which can be more challenging as it requires more effort to control the breath and maintain stability. Therefore, Antar Kumbhaka is considered easier than Bahir Kumbhaka.

Khechari mudra is the correct answer because it involves the practice of placing the tongue against the roof of the mouth and swallowing it. This mudra is believed to stimulate the flow of energy and promote spiritual awakening. It is commonly used in certain yogic practices and is said to have various physical and psychological benefits.

heart and navel = samana
neck and head = udana
limbs = udana

There are four: hasta mudras, mana mudras, kaya mudras and adhara mudras

Vipareeta Karani Mudra is the mudra that focuses the awareness on manipura chakra. This mudra involves lying on the back with the legs raised up against a wall, allowing the energy to flow towards the manipura chakra located in the navel area. By practicing this mudra, one can stimulate and activate the manipura chakra, which is associated with personal power, confidence, and digestion. This mudra helps to balance and energize the manipura chakra, promoting a sense of empowerment and self-confidence.

The anandamaya kosha refers to the transcendental or bliss body. This concept comes from the ancient Indian philosophy of Vedanta, which describes five layers or sheaths that make up a human being. The anandamaya kosha is the innermost layer, representing the highest level of consciousness and bliss. It is believed to be the source of deep inner joy and happiness that transcends the material and mental realms. This body is said to be experienced in states of deep meditation and spiritual awakening.

Apana is the prana responsible for pushing waste out of the body. It is one of the five main pranas in the body according to Ayurveda. Apana is responsible for the downward and outward movement in the body, including elimination of waste through the excretory system. It governs the functions of the lower abdomen, including the colon, bladder, and reproductive organs. Apana also aids in the elimination of toxins and helps maintain overall balance and harmony in the body.

Adhara Mudra is the correct answer because it is a hand gesture that is specifically associated with the genital area. Mudras are symbolic gestures used in yoga and meditation to channel energy flow in the body. Adhara Mudra is believed to stimulate the root chakra, which is located in the genital area, and helps to ground and stabilize the body and mind.

Shunya Mudra is the correct answer. Shunya Mudra is a hand gesture that is believed to help alleviate ear-related issues such as tinnitus and vertigo. It is formed by pressing the middle finger towards the base of the thumb while keeping the other fingers extended. This gesture is said to activate the element of space within the body, promoting clarity and openness. It is also believed to have a calming effect on the mind and can be practiced during meditation or when feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

Pranayama is a practice that involves utilizing breathing techniques to influence the flow of prana, which is the vital life force energy, in the nadis or energy channels of the pranamaya kosha. By balancing the ida and pingala nadis and guiding vital air from Mooladhara to meet Sushumna, pranayama helps activate the vital energy and energize each of the seven energy centers or chakras. This practice allows for the circulation of prana through the ida and pingala nadis, ultimately leading it down to the base of the spine.

Vijnanamaya is one of the five koshas, the pancha prana are: Udana, Prana, Samana, Apana & Vyana

both keep the index finger with the thumb

Thoracic breathing intakes more oxygen

Sheetali pranayama and sheetkari pranayama are both pranayama methods that involve cooling the body. Sheetali pranayama is a breathing technique where you roll your tongue and inhale through it, while sheetkari pranayama is a similar technique where you inhale through your teeth. Both of these techniques help to lower body temperature and cool down the body after asana practice. Kapalabhati pranayama and bhramari pranayama do not have a cooling effect on the body, so they are not applicable in this context.

Nadi shodhana, also known as alternate nostril breathing, is a pranayama technique in yoga. It involves breathing through one nostril at a time, alternating between the left and right nostrils. While nadi shodhana has many benefits, such as calming the mind, relieving anxiety, and improving concentration, cooling down the body is not one of them. This technique primarily focuses on balancing the energy channels in the body and promoting spiritual awakening through deep stages of meditation.

Shunya mudra is believed to help reduce dullness in the body. This mudra is formed by bringing the middle finger to touch the base of the thumb while keeping the other fingers extended. It is believed that practicing this mudra can help stimulate the energy in the body and improve focus and alertness. By activating certain energy channels, shunya mudra may help reduce dullness and promote a sense of clarity and vitality.

The correct answer is to fold the index and middle finger to the right palm gently. Nasagra mudra is a hand gesture used in yoga and meditation practices. It involves bringing the index and middle finger together and gently pressing them against the base of the thumb, while keeping the other fingers extended or relaxed. This mudra is believed to help improve concentration, calm the mind, and enhance focus during meditation.

Mudra practice aims to bring oneself to states of pratyahara and dharana. Pratyahara refers to the withdrawal of the senses from external stimuli, allowing the practitioner to turn inward and focus on their internal experiences. Dharana, on the other hand, is the state of concentration or single-pointed focus achieved through the practice of mudras. By practicing mudras, one can cultivate the ability to withdraw from the external world and concentrate their mind, leading to states of pratyahara and dharana.

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Surya mudra is the hasta mudra that correlates to the thyroid and can help to reduce anxiety and indigestion. This mudra is formed by touching the ring finger to the base of the thumb while keeping the other fingers extended. The ring finger is associated with the fire element, which is believed to stimulate the thyroid gland and improve digestion. Practicing Surya mudra regularly can help balance the thyroid function and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and indigestion.

Lock = Bandha

During mudra practices, the feelings and postures adopted establish a direct link between the annamaya kosha, manomaya kosha, and pranamaya kosha. The annamaya kosha refers to the physical body, and mudras help to activate and balance the energy within the body. The manomaya kosha relates to the mental and emotional aspects, and mudras can help to calm and focus the mind. The pranamaya kosha is the energy body, and mudras can help to channel and balance the flow of prana or life force energy.

The two techniques for ashwini mudra are rapid contraction and contraction with antar kumbhaka. Rapid contraction refers to quickly contracting and releasing the muscles of the anal sphincter. Contraction with antar kumbhaka involves contracting the muscles of the anal sphincter while holding the breath in after inhalation. These techniques are used in yoga to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve overall health and well-being.

This mudra, known as Nasikagra drishti mudra, does not provide benefits such as improving circulation and relieving stress and lower back pain.