Pranayama is a method to transmute creative energy that relies on a combination of sexual chastity (restraint or containment of sexual energy), concentration, imagination, and breathing. The word pranayama comes from Sanskrit and is composed of:

• prana: life-principle; the breath of life; energy

• ayama: restraint or control

Although anyone can utilize pranayama techniques, they are most important for practitioners who are single.

The easiest and fastest way to increase the prana in the body is to change our breathing to affect the quality and quantity of air taken into the lungs. Prana is also absorbed in the nose by its connection to the two nadi energy channels that terminate in the nostrils. Pranayama is used to control, cultivate, and change the prana in the body. A change in the prana will affect the whole body. First energetically, then psychologically mentally, and last physically. advanced pranayama is used to cleanse the impurities and obstructions in the nadis, and eventually unblock the sushumna nadi, allowing the Kundalini prana to flow freely through this channel and upwards through our seven chakras. 

For most pranayama techniques, the breath is slow and steady, breathed in and out of the nose and down into the belly. Always sit with a straight spine and a relaxed body. While you are practicing Pranayama, let go of any thoughts by focusing on the type of breathing involved with the pranayama.

The first thing to master and pranayama is the exhalation, which should be slow and smooth. Once exhaling is mastered, then the inhalation is worked on smoothing it out, making it long and slow. Retention of the breath should not be attempted until you have attained a smooth, gentle inhale and exhale. Let the eyes be soft or closed during your practice. If comfortable, you can gaze upwards at the third eye, the point between the eyebrows.

If you feel dizzy lightheaded winded or gasping for air, stop the pranayama and take slow, relaxed normal breaths until you have recovered. Do not strain your body while practicing pranayama. When you feel fatigued, stop, and rest. After practicing pranayama, lie down to rest in Shavasana or practice a few minutes of meditation.

• Yogic Breath (Diaphragmatic Breath or Belly Breathing). This is the foundational exercise that all beginners should start with to learn yoga breathing.

• Dirga Pranayama (Three-Part or Complete Breath). This is a foundational pranayama for beginners to strengthen and expand on the practice of diaphragmatic breathing. The Three-Part breath improves breath awareness and lung capacity.

• Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath or Ocean Sounding Breath). This is the foundational breath for ashtanga and vinyasa styles of yoga. It is both calming and invigorating and improves focus and concentration.

• Sama Vritti Pranayama (Equal Breath). This basic breath focuses on having your inhalations and exhalations the same length. It is balancing and deeply relaxing and good for beginners.

• Nadi Sodhana Pranayama or Anuloma Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing). This intermediate practice involves breathing through one nostril at a time. It is a powerful way to bring harmony and balance to the energy pathways.

• Bhramari Pranayama (Buzzing Bee Breath). This beginner-friendly breath uses sound helps to block out distractions and soothe the nervous system.

• Udgeeth Pranayama (Chanting Breath). This practice uses the Om mantra to clear the mind, remove negative thoughts, strengthen the lungs and improve mental focus.

• Kapalabhati Pranayama (Breath of Fire or Skull Shining Breath) – This advanced exercise should only be attempted after mastering the above practices. It strongly boosts energy and is cleansing to the nasal passages and head.

• Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath). This is a more intense version of the breath of fire and should only be learned from an experienced teacher.

• Sit Cari Pranayama (Hissing Breath). This is a cooling breath that creates a hissing sound as you inhale through your teeth.

• Shitali Pranayama (Cooling Breath). This is a cooling breath that involves inhaling through your curled tongue.

• Chandra Bhedana Pranayama (Left Nostril Breathing). This is a cooling breath that is similar to Nadi Sodhana.

• Surya Bhedana Pranayama (Right Nostril Breathing). This is a warming breath that is the opposite of Chandra Bhedana.