Page 7 - 300 Hour YTT Manual Unit 2

PRANAYAMA

"Breathing is the remote control to the mind and the key to
unlocking the autonomic nervous system."
- James Nestor

Pranayama is a Sanskrit term that refers to the practice of controlling and
regulating the breath, which is considered the life force or vital energy
(prana) in yoga and Ayurveda. It is an integral part of traditional yoga
practices and involves various breathing techniques designed to enhance

physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Pranayama techniques involve conscious manipulation of the breath
through different patterns, rhythms, durations, and ratios of inhalation
(puraka), exhalation (rechaka), and retention (kumbhaka) of breath. These

techniques aim to balance and optimize the flow of prana in the body, calm
the mind, and awaken higher states of consciousness.