Pranayama

Description

Pranayama, in Sanskrit is composed of two words, 'prana' + 'ayama'. According to Yogic Philosophy it is understood that, Prana is the cosmic/universal life force or the vital energy which is responsible for keeping us 'alive'.
The word 'ayama' has two different meanings - to stretch/elongate/expand and to control/restrain.
Breath is a gross manifestation of this prana. So, the word pranayama means the ability to expand or stretch our life force (prana) by controlling the breath. Pranayama techniques involve controlling the breath in a variety of ways.
Pranayama is the fourth of the eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) as defined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.
It provides a vital bridge between the body and the mind. By controlling the breath, one can control the mind.
In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Chapter two covers the topic of Shatkarma (six cleansing techniques) and Pranayama in detail. In the Yoga Sutras breathing is emphasized in pranayama. In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika kumbhaka (retention) is emphasized.
A Yogi stores up enough and more of Prana by regular practice of Pranayama just as the storage battery stores up electricity. That Yogi who has in his store an amazingly large supply of Prana radiates strength and vitality all around. He is a big power-house. Those who come in contact with him imbibe Prana from him, and get strength, vigour, vitality and exhilaration of spirits. Just as oil flows from one vessel to another, Prana also actually flows steadily from a developed Yogi towards weak persons. This can be seen actually by the Yogi who has developed his inner Yogic vision.

Pranayama involves three elements:

• Puraka - inhalation.
• Kumbhaka - retention.
• Rechaka - exhalation.

Kumbhaka practices are accompanied by bandhas with an intention of awakening and raising kundalini.