Pranayama refers to the extension or augmentation of prana, the vital life force energy, through breathing techniques. It aims to impact the flow of prana in the nadis or energy channels of the pranamaya kosa, or energy body. Lifestyle factors like exercise, diet, stress, and emotions can influence the distribution and flow of prana in the body. Pranayama practices are meant to energize and balance the different pranas within the pranamaya kosa to counteract energy depletion and prevent illness. Correct breathing through pranayama enhances lung capacity and prepares one for more advanced pranayama techniques.

1. Pranayama

2. Pranayama is popularly known as the process involving the
control of breath. Despite the fact that this translation may
appear to be right in perspective of the practices included, it does
not pass on the full importance of the term. The word pranayama
is comprised of two parts: 'prana' plus 'ayama'. Prana signifies
'vital energy' or 'life force'. It is the force which exists in all things,
whether animate or inanimate. Although closely related to the air
we breathe, it is more subtle than air or oxygen. Therefore,

3. pranayama should not be considered as n1ere breathing exercises
aimed at introducing extra oxygen into the lungs. Pranayama
utilizes breathing to impact the stream of Prana in the Nadis or
energy channels of the Pranamaya Kosa or energy body.
The word Yama signifies "control" and is utilized to signify
different guidelines or codes of conduct. In any case, this is not
the word, which is joined to Prana to shape Pranayama; the right
word is "ayama" which has much more practicality. Ayama is

4. characterized as "extension" or 'development'. Consequently, the
word pranayama signifies 'augmentation or extension of the
measurement of Prana. The procedures of pranayama give the
strategy whereby the life constrain can be actuated and directed
to go past one's ordinary limits or confinements and achieve a
higher level of vibratory vitality and awareness.
Prana and Way of Life

5. Our Lifestyle profoundly affects the Pranamaya Kosha and its
Pranas. Physical exercises, for example, work out, work, rest,
intake of food and sexual relations all influence the distribution
and stream of Prana in the body. Resources of the mind, for
example, feeling, thought and creative energy influence the Pranic
body to a vast extent. Inconsistencies in our lifestyles along with
careless diet plans and stress results in the exhaustion and

6. discourage the Pranic stream. These outcomes in what individuals
encounter as being 'depleted of vitality'.
Exhaustion of vitality in a specific Prana prompts to the
devitalization of the organs and appendages it represents and
eventually to sickness or metabolic brokenness. The strategies of
pranayama nullify this procedure, empowering and adjusting the
distinctive Pranas inside Pranamaya Kosha. Pranayama practices

7. ought to be performed after Asanas in a coordinated yoga
program.
Breathe, health and pranayama
The breath is the most vital process of the body. It influences the
activities of each and every cell and, most importantly, is
intimately linked with the performance of the brain. Human
beings breathe about 15 times per minute and 21,600 times per
day. Respiration is provides the source for the burning of oxygen

8. and glucose, producing energy to power every muscular
contraction, glandular secretion and mental process. Breath has a
major connection to all the aspects of human experience.
Most people breathe incorrectly, using only a small part of their
lung capacity. The breathing is then generally shallow, depriving
the body of oxygen and Prana essential to its good health. The
first five practices given in this section are preparatory techniques
that introduce correct breathing habits. In addition, they help

9. focus the awareness on the breathing process, which is otherwise
normally ignored. Practitioners develop sensitivity to the
respiratory process and retrain the muscles of the pulmonary
cavity, enhancing their vital capacity and preparing them for
pranayama.