Pranayama is a conscious prolongation of inhalation, retention and exhalation. Inhalation is the act of receiving the primeval energy in the form of breath and retention is when the breath is held in order to savour that energy.
Prana is almost magical. Its physical, mental, intellectual, sexual, spiritual. All physical energies such as heat, light, gravity and electricity are also prana. It’s the life force that lies in all of nature from animals, to humans, to rivers and plants.
According to the ancient Upanishads, prana is the principle of life and consciousness.
The purpose of pranayama is to improve not only the circulatory system but also the Respiratory system which is the gateway to purifying the body, mind and intellect.
As well as increasing digestion, vigour, vitality, perception and memory it can help to focus the mind out of the chatter, which in turn creates space and more of a sense of peace.
Try one of our yoga classes where you can experience different pranayama techniques