Pranayama – Breath Control

 

Prāṇāyāma (Sanskrit: प्राणायाम prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word meaning “extension of the prāṇa or breath” or, “extension of the life force”. The word is composed of two Sanskrit words, Prana, life force, or vital energy, particularly, the breath, and “ayāma”, to extend or draw out. (Not ‘restrain, or control’ as is often translated from ‘yam’ instead of ‘ayāma’). The origins of this yogic discipline lies in ancient Bharat (India) and what is known as present day Hinduism.