Pranayama is a yoga practice where you focus on breathing. The word pranayama can be broken into two parts and defined in order to give us a clear idea what it means: prana- life force or energy of the universe; yama- control.

Prana is the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of life. By practicing certain breathing techniques, one can access prana. Yama suggests control over this life force which control is possible through deep breathing.

Although pranayama is a form of yoga, it is usually practiced in conjunction with other forms of yoga. For instance many times while performing the asanas (yoga poses) you focus on your breathing. By focusing on your breath you can tell whether you are straining too much during certain yoga poses. By focusing on your breathing technique, you can help center not only your body but your mind as well during your yoga practice.

There are many different forms of pranayama. A couple of these breathing techniques are: bhastrika pranayama, udgeeth pranayama, bhaya pranayama and anulom vilom pranayama. These are all easy breathing techniques that you can practice at home during your regular yoga session or you can practice it in the car, the office or while you are out.

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• Bhastrika pranayama is when you breathe in slowly through the nostrils. To focus on your breathing, focus on what happens to your body while you breathe in. For instance, you will feel your diaphragm move, your lungs fill with air, and your collar bone move. Once you have taken in sufficient breath, exhale quickly. Repeat for 10-15 minutes.

• Udgeeth pranayama is when you breathe just like in Bhastrika pranayama but as you exhale you say a mantra or a single, elongated word like “ohm”. This mantra will help you focus your mind on your breathing.

• Bhaya pranayama is where you begin breathing just like in Bhastrika pranayama but then you will focus on having a deeper exhale. You do this by exhaling and as you exhale, bring your chin to your chest and physically press the air out of your stomach.

• Anulom Vilom pranayama is when you breathe by alternating where you breath comes in and out. To do this, place your finger on the side of your right nostril to block the air from coming in. Inhale through your nose. Switch your finger to block your left nostril and breathe out through the open nostril.

There are several benefits to learning how to control your breathing and practicing these deep breathing techniques. One benefit is that it helps to relieve stress. As you breath out you can also visualize your stress leaving your body. If you have physical pain, you can envision your pain leaving your body. When you practice deep breathing you are also helping to improve your day to day way of breathing. This helps expel air pollutants on a regular basis and helps to expand the operation of your lungs. Also with a regular deep breathing practice, you are taking in more oxygen into your body. Oxygen helps your blood get rid of toxins and helps improve circulation. Regular deep breathing will help you not get sick and overall feel physical well.