Pranayama i meditation

PRANA = life energy, life
AYAMA = extension

Compared to other systems in our body, the respiratory system is unique. On one hand, we do not manage it consciously (we breathe even when we are not aware of breathing), and on the other hand we can consciously control our breathing by deepening, shortening or completely holding our breath.

Pranayama thus represents the conscious control, that is, the extension of breathing – life energy. With help of pranayama our breath becomes a tool which we use to regulate our physical and emotional state. The traditional text Hatha Yoga Pradipika explains that when breathing is calm, so is our mind. According to one Yogi tradition, each man after birth has a determined number of inhales and exhales during life.

In animal world, it is noticed that those animals which breathe slowly (elephant, turtle…) live longer than those species that breathe quickly.

It is proven that slow breathing reduces stress and helps us to relax in stressful situations. Slower breathing helps the heart, which also contributes to life quality and expectancy.