Pranayama -Introduction

Pranayama is an aspect of Yoga that deals with breathing. It is the breathing process or the control of the motion of inhalation, exhalation and the retention of vital energy. Proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control Prana or the vital life energy.

Pranayama comes from the following words:

Prana - "life force" or "life energy"
Yama - "discipline" or "control"

Ayama - "expansion", "non-restraint", or "extension"

These are the four stages of Pranayama:

Arambha - the commencement stage wherein the person's interest in Pranayama is awakened

Ghata - the stage where the three sariras merge to envelope the soul. The three sariras are gross, subtle, and causal.

Parichay- the stage where the yogi experiences the knowledge of Pranayama

Nispatti- the stage where the yogi goes beyond his physical body, and unites with the supreme

However, Pranayama should not be forced and done without proper preparation, or it may lead to nervous breakdowns. It is part of a process in yoga. Breath control is a spiritual practice of cleansing the mind and body which should be done appropriately and with proper guidance and preparation.