“Antidote to Aging”. The urge to write and share knowledge on the subject of pranayam is only because of my thousands of patients who trust me and my knowledge on this vast and complicated subject. In the beginning, I must confess that pranayam or for that matter even simple breathing is not as easy as it sounds or appears. The process is very complex to understand, even for a medical person who has studied the Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Biochemistry, Medicine, and Surgery of the entire respiratory cells, tissues, organs, and system!

Had it not been for the COVID-19 pandemic, I would have never dreamt of writing books on such important topics, in spite of the knowledge and content ready at hand!

The covid-19 pandemic, when I was forced to stay indoors, with no work and one single day seemed like one long month, gave me ample time and opportunity to assemble my hard work and search on the subject of my interest. Further, I myself suffered from Covid, two times. It is then that I realized the importance of the right technique of breathing and pranayam. It was very frightening to frequently hear of the shortage of hospital beds, medicines, and even artificial supplementation of oxygen. I witnessed the loss of friends, relatives, and patients too.It was at this juncture that I decided to dedicate my knowledge, skill, and time to saving the lives of my fellow beings. This book [ and the other two] is the result of the pain, anguish, and suffering from the virus!

Pranayam is an ancient breathing technique, that originated in India, around the sixth and fifth century BCE. Reference of pranayam can be found in Bhagvad Gita and Upanishads. These scripts discuss the importance of breath control not only for the body and mind but also for spiritual growth and the attainment of higher states of consciousness. Initially, pran was considered as breath and thought to be identified with the Self.

Indians, Buddhists, and Chinese were the ones who co-related pranayam to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Even in ancient Greece, the practice of pranayam was known and valued. In Greek the word ‘phren’ refers to both mind and the diaphragm muscle, indicating the close relationship between mind and breath!

It was only as late as in the 19th century that the importance of nasal breathing was appreciated and its importance for health and healthy life was realized. In contrast, ill health was attributed to mouth breathing!

The year 2020 saw the Covid-19 pandemic and the importance of deep breathing and oxygen was known practically to the entire population of the globe.