Pranayama (prah-nah-yah-mah) is the study of conscious inhalation, retention, and exhalation of the breath.  Pranayama produces strong lungs and good breathing habits, which usually cultivates good health and plentiful energy. 

The root word of Pranayama is Prana (prah-nah), which translates as breath/life.  The very first action we perform on earth is to inhale, and the last is to exhale.  Once prana leaves the body, we dye.  Therefore, breath and life intrinsically unite in one word.  Therefore, Prana is the life force or energy that sustains the body.  We also obtain Prana from the from sunlight, food, and water. 

The translation for Yama (yah-mah) is control, discipline, regulation, or mastery.  Therefore, pranayama may be translated as "breath control."  However, Ayama (ah-yah-mah) describes expansion, growth, extension, augmentation, or magnification, which implies a translation for Pranayama to be "expansion of the life force."  This translation is perhaps more accurate and closer to the true sprit of the yogic philosophy.    

Even though more experienced yogis can control heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and other functions, breathing is the one autonomic functions of the body we all can learn to control.  Because of this, the breath becomes an important link between our body, mind, and spirit.  The breath allows us to move consciously from the physical world, to the mental world, and even into the spiritual world.  Therefore, the benefits of Pranayama are seemingly endless, and touch on the physical, mental, and physiological structure of each individual.  Harnessing this life force and using it to our advantage is one of the main goals of Yoga and specifically Pranayama.  When the breath is even and rhythmic, it may be a sign that the mind is clear and balanced.  Likewise, when the breath is irregular or strained, it is usually a sign that the mind is distracted and in distress.    

The breathing techniques described on these web pages are ancient practices handed down to us by generations of yogis.  Each technique has specific advantages that either help focus the mind or energize and heat the body or heal the soul.  However, some techniques have contra-indications for individuals who may have had abdominal surgery or for women who are pregnant, or individual with uncontrolled high bood prssure, etc.  Be careful if you have any heart condition, asthma, bronchitis, uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, or any physical condition that requires you to be under medical supervision.  If you begin to feel faint, dizzy, flushed, or light-headed, stop what you are doing, and allow your breath to return to its own natural rhythm.  This is a result of the increased oxygen levels in the body, to which your body may not be accustomed.  You can increase your pranayama practice and use of oxygen gradually.  Consider these counter indications seriously, because some of these techniques are very intense and can sometimes make injuries worse.

Usually, yogis perform pranayama by breathing through the nostrils.  This is a good idea because it helps to cleans, moisten, and warm the air as it enters the nose and passes through the sinuses.  Therefore, be sure to clean your nose by blowing or using a neti pot.  A few other suggestions would be to allow the spine to lengthen, the eyes to closed, and the tip of the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth as the jaw remains relaxed and parallel to the floor.  Furthermore, allow your mind to focus on the entire body, which includes the front body as well as the sides and back bodies.  Envision the body as ja large balloon that expands 360° as it fills and empties.  Imagine a balloon that fills from the bottom up and empties from the top down.  Be sure that the room is somewhere between 68º and 72º that that it is clear of smoke and any odors.