Pranayama is the expansion of prana and also the conscious control of breath. It is the most important practice of Yoga, for the breath is the most important source of energy.

It is the most direct path to the awakening of Kundalini energy, the energy which is with no exception given to each and everyone. Yet that energy is waiting to be awaken.

Today it is common to use the term pranayama as breathing techniques but the yogic breathing techniques actually expand the individual vital energy what the meaning of pranayama is.

Thoughts, or mind waves, reflect the breathing. When the mind is unsettled the breathing is irregular, rapid and shallow, when the mind is relaxed the breathing is slow and deep. And vice versa, controlling the breath one can control the mind bringing it to complete stillness. This tranquil state of shakti or life force is called shanta which is a great power full of life, since the power lies in a tranquility and not in a rush.

It is believed that pranayama techniques increase the amount of oxygen in the brain but the latest scientific studies have confirmed that the pranayama techniques regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the brain which affects the pain and thermal receptors in the brain and reduce or eventually eliminate panic and anxiety.

This is done by the breath retention (kumbhaka) which is the central in entire breathing exercise. The breath retention should be practiced very aware and gradually not torturing breathing organs as well as mind.

Swami Sivananda has said:

„A Yogi measures the span of his life not by the number of years but by the number of his breaths.“