The most important thing about Pranayama - Yoga Breathing Exercises is to do them correctly. If you do not follow the instructions, you may be doing more harm than good.

The word Pranayama - Yoga Breathing Exercises means "breath control." It is made up of two words: Prana , meaning life force, and yama , meaning control. Thus the term literally means "control over the vital energy." The life force ( prana ) flows through the body in subtle channels called nadis . One of these channels, called Sushumna Nadi , runs along the spinal cord in the center of the spine. This channel is flanked on either side by Ida Nadi and Pingala Nadi . The three nadis intersect at several points along the spine called chakras (energy centers).

Pranayama, the yoga breathing exercises, can do wonders for your health and mood. Inhaling oxygen through proper breathing method not only helps you feel better but also increases your life span.

Pranayama - Yoga Breathing Exercises

Pranayama is a part of yoga practice which deals with the regulation of breath. Prana means "breath" or "vital energy" in Sanskrit, and ayama means "to extend" or "draw out". Pranayama is derived from two words - prana (life force) and ayama (regulation). Pranayama enables us to control our breath and improve our health in several ways. It is a wonderful alternative treatment for asthma, hypertension, insomnia and various other health conditions.

Pranayama techniques help to prevent unnecessary expenditures of energy by encouraging the retention of breath in the lungs. It is believed that by retaining prana in the lungs, it eventually enters into the blood stream and vitalizes all parts of the body. This results in increased energy levels, improved digestion, elimination of toxins and overall good health.