What it means

Prana means life force and anayama means control. Pranayama means mastering the life force within. When consciously controlled, it has a powerful vitalising effect on the body, mind and spirit.

Purpose

Pranayama helps to connect the body to its battery, the solar plexus, where tremendous potential energy is stored. When tapped through specific techniques this vital energy, or prana, is released for physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation. Regular practice removes obstructions, which impede the flow of vital energy. When the cells work in unison, they bring back harmony and health to the system. Everything we do uses life force or prana - notice how fatiguing it is when an argument leaves you feeling drained. For most of us, this vital energy is constantly depleted and never recharged.

One may also consider following:

• Fast, shallow breathing
• Interiorisation
• Concentration

Benefits

• Pranayamas cause rhythmic expansion of the lungs, creating better circulation within the kidneys, liver, stomach, spleen, intestines, skin and other organs of the body
• Oxygen is essential for efficient functioning of every body cell. It purifies the blood stream and therefore there is improvement in the quality of blood
• The mind is calm and able to concentrate better.
• Deep, slow breathing results in a stronger and more efficient working of the heart and lungs.

Types of Pranayama exercises

(1) Yogic breathing (the complete breath)

(2) Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing)

(3) Kapalabhati (cleansing breath)

(4) Bhramari (humming bee)