pranayama

Pranayama is a Sanskrit term derived from prana ("breath" or "life force") and ayama ("control" or "restraint"). It denotes the practice of regulating the breath through various techniques to influence the flow of prana in the body.

In classical yoga, pranayama is one of the eight limbs described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and is often taught as a preparatory step for meditation. Techniques vary across yoga schools but commonly involve breathing patterns, breath retention, or both.

Common techniques include ujjayi, a slow, ocean-like breath produced by a slight glottal constriction; nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing); kapalabhati (rapid, forceful exhalations with passive inhalation); and bhastrika (bellows breathing). Other practices such as sheetali or sheetkari (cooling breaths) and brahmari (humming breath) are also used.

Practitioners aim to calm and focus the mind, regulate autonomic balance, and support meditation and respiratory health. Some studies report reduced stress, improved heart rate variability, and enhanced pulmonary function, but findings are mixed and methodological limitations apply. Benefits are not guaranteed and depend on technique, instruction, and regular practice.

Safety and guidance: pranayama should be learned under the supervision of a qualified teacher, especially for techniques that involve breath retention or vigorous breathing. Certain conditions—uncontrolled hypertension, glaucoma, recent surgery, pregnancy, or severe respiratory or cardiovascular disease—may preclude specific practices.