The Basics of Pranayama

“Yogic breathing techniques are meditative in their origin and in their effect. They basically consist of four parts. They are inhalation (puraka), retention of the breath after inhalation (antara kumbhaka), exhalation (recaka), and retention after exhalation (bayha kumbhaka).

The in-breath should be long, subtle, deep, rhythmic and even. The energising ingredients of the atmosphere percolate into the cells of the lungs and rejuvenate life. By retaining one’s drawn-in breath, the energy is fully absorbed and distributed to the entire system through the circulation of the blood. The slow discharge of air in exhalation carries out acummulated toxins. By pausing the out-breath according to one’s capacity, all stresses are purged and drained away. The mind remains silent and tranquil.”

Light on life by B K S Iyengar