Pranayama

Controlled breath practice

Pranayama is the practice of breath control in yoga, involving specific techniques for inhaling, exhaling, and holding the breath.

From Sanskrit, it combines words for breath and extension.

Practitioners use pranayama to regulate energy, calm the mind, and prepare for meditation: She began her morning practice with twenty minutes of pranayama.

physiology

diaphragm

Muscle separating chest, abdomen

respiratory · inhalation · exhalation · retention · vital capacity · parasympathetic · vagus nerve · heart rate variability · blood pressure · oxygenation

spiritual

life force

Animating vital energy

awakening · enlightenment · self-realization · transcendence · inner peace · divine breath · spiritual discipline · tapas · expansion · liberation

wellness

stress relief

Reduction of mental tension

mental clarity · focus · calm · energy · detoxification · immunity · mindfulness · holistic · self-care · breathwork

yoga

asana

Yoga body position

vinyasa · savasana · lotus pose · kundalini · chakra · mudra · mantra · samadhi · eight limbs

Opposites
breath control

Pranayamagasping

Breathing in sharp gulps

hyperventilation · shallow breathing · panting · labored breathing · dyspnea

spiritual/contemplative practice

Pranayamamindlessness

Lack of awareness

distraction · heedlessness · inattention · restlessness · dissipation

energy regulation

Pranayamaburnout

Chronic occupational depletion

devitalization

Family

prana

Familiarity
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