Breathing is life. It is one of our most vital functions. One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama or Breathing Exercise which promotes proper breathing. Proper Breathing, in a Yogic point of view, is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control prana or the vital life energy. Pranayama - the science of breath control, consists a series of exercises intended to meet these needs and to keep the body in vibrant Health.

Pranayama also goes hand in hand with the Asanas. The union of these two Yogic Principles is considered as the highest form of purification and self-discipline, covering both mind and body. Breathing exercises helps you achieve a calm and alert mind. Some Breathing Exercises also helps in removing excess mucus in the body thus help you manage Respiratory Ailments like Asthma and Bronchitis.

basic

This section gives an overview of the Breathing Techniques for the Beginner. Yoga Breathing or Pranayama revitalizes the body, steadies the emotions and creates great clarity of mind. Before practicing the exercises, you should be sure that you understand how to breathe correctly and how to make full use of the diaphragm. In order to facilitate the flow of Prana and ensure that there is space for expanding the lungs, Yoga Breathing exercises are performed sitting down with the spine, neck and head in a straight line - either in the Easy Pose, the Lotus Pose or if neither is comfortable, sitting on a chair.

Advanced

Breath is the source of life. This is the basic reason why ancient Yogis developed different Breathing Techniques, from Beginner or Basic to Advanced Breathing Techniques. These Breathing Techniques or Pranayamas are designed to allow the free flow of energy in the body and to purify the body's energy channels called nadis. The practice of Pranayama also ensures that every cell in the body receives oxygen and nutrients.

The following are Advanced Pranayamas which should be practiced after a few months of performing Anuloma Viloma or Kapalabhati without discomfort or without effort. These Advanced Breathing Techniques are powerful tools for controlling the flow of Prana and raising the latent Kundalini energy. You can only proceed to these techniques after you have purified yourself physically and spiritually by practicing Asanas, Beginner's Pranayamas, Meditation and Vegetarian Diet daily for several months.