What is Pranayama?
- Michelle Rae Sobi
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Pranayama is breathwork.
Pranayama
(Lesson — Edge Yoga School Educational Library)
🌬️ Overview
Pranayama is the breathwork limb of yoga, and one of the most transformative tools we offer students. When paired with asana—like inhaling into Cow and exhaling into Cat—pranayama reveals the deep connection between mind, body, and energy. While often simplified as “breathing,” pranayama is truly the intentional regulation of prana, the life force carried on the breath. Through breath control, breath expansion, and mindful rhythm, practitioners cultivate steadiness and clarity.
📘 Define It
Pranayama is the 4th limb of Patanjali’s Eight-Limbed Path.Two translations offer helpful insight:
Prana Yama — breath restraint or control
Prana Ayama — breath expansion or regulation
Prana is not just air; it is the subtle life energy that animates us. Pranayama is the practice of shaping and guiding this energy through deliberate breathing techniques.
💛 What It Means to You
Pranayama highlights the inseparable relationship between breath, thoughts, and physical sensation.
When the mind is unsettled, the breath becomes shallow.
When the breath becomes steady, the mind follows.
Through pranayama, harmony grows between body, mind, and spirit. It is both a grounding practice and a powerful energetic tool. Many students find pranayama to be a doorway into deeper meditation.
Applying Pranayama in Daily Life
🌿 Complete Belly Breath / Diaphragmatic Breathing
Soothes emotional turbulence, calms the nervous system, and teaches presence.
🌬️ Alternate Nostril Breathing / Nadi Shodhana
Regulates the nervous system, balances hemispheres of the brain, and provides immediate grounding during anxiety.
🌊 Ujjayi Breath / Victorious Breath
Creates warmth, steadiness, and mental focus; softens irritation and emotional intensity.
🔥 Energizing Breath / Bhastrika
Builds heat and vitality; excellent when feeling dull, tired, or unfocused.
🌞 Breath of Joy
Uplifts mood, boosts energy, and increases oxygen in the body.
✨ Kapalabhati / Skull Shining Breath
Cleansing and invigorating; traditionally used to refresh and awaken the mind. It is a kriya.
🌟 Benefits of Daily Practice
Attending to the breath roots us in the present moment and increases self-awareness. Studies show that deep, rhythmic breathing may support:
Reduced anxiety and depression
Lowered or stabilized blood pressure
Improved energy levels
Muscle relaxation
Reduced stress response
Traditional teachings also highlight:
Enhanced focus and mental clarity
Strengthened immunity
Increased vitality and enthusiasm
Emotional balance
A sense of rejuvenation throughout the system
Breathwork shifts the nervous system from fight-or-flight toward rest-and-digest, activating the vagus nerve and restoring inner calm.
📘 Educational Note
This information is for education purposes only and always seek your medical team for physical and emotional support.
Students enrolled in our program may send a Slack DM to Michelle or those interested in enrolling are invited to send a CHAT to begin a conversation.
