Pranayama, the 4th of Patanjali’s 8 limbs of Yoga, means extension of the breath. Prana is energy, or life force, and ayama means to extend. Your energetic (or pranic) body connects your physical and emotional bodies, via the Chakra’s.
In Yoga, we use the breath as a method of deepening the connection between the body and the mind. A nurturing Pranayama practice should invite calmness of mind, therefore my programs are structured to increase awareness of the breath, prior to any breath control practices being introduced. Traditionally, Asana would be practiced prior to Pranayama. Sessions generally conclude with a relaxation or meditative practice to allow assimilation of the benefits of the preceding practice.
It is important never to force the breath when you begin exploring Pranayama. Remember to always apply the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) to any Yoga exercise you undertake. Stress affects our breathing patterns and if we spend a good deal of our time stressed, we may develop weak breathing habits. I often incorporate Hastha mudras (hand gestures) into early practices, in order to help the body to learn to develop efficient breathing habits.
Namaste, Penelope
