Predominantly controlling the breath is nothing other than Pranayama. The word Pranayama is composed of two Sanskrit words Prana which means life force and ayama which means to suppress Prana. Implementation done deliberately on breathing techniques in order to alter them to achieve the desired results. It is a yogic discipline with origins in ancient India. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Characteristics of Pranayama: The various and discrete executions of pranayama involve various methods that exploit the characteristics of breathing. The four characteristics of breathing are listed below: Pooraka or inhalation Rechaka or exhalation Antar kunbhaka or retention of internal breath Bahir kumbhaka or retention of external breath Another approach of pranayama is called Kevala Kumbhaka or spontaneous retention of breath. This is a modern phase of pranayama that occurs during elevated states of meditation. The most important part of pranayama is actually kumbhaka or breath retention. However, to successfully perform kumbhaka, a gradual development of control over the function of breathing is necessary. These practices influence the flow of prana in the nadis, purifying, regulating and activating them, thus inducing physical and mental stability. Prana and lifestyle: Lifestyle has a fervent significance on pranayama kosha and its pranas. The dispersion and flow of prana in the body are influenced by our bodily movements such as work, sleep, food intake and sexual intercourse. The pranic flow is influenced by an unstable lifestyle, reckless eating and stress. Breathing is the most important process in the body. It affects the activities of every cell and, above all, is intimately linked to the functioning of the brain. Breathing is devoutly linked to all the characteristics of human experience. Pranayama demonstrates regular breathing patterns, breaking the negative cycle and reversing the process. It does this by taking control of your breathing and re-establishing the natural, relaxed rhythms of your body and mind. The ancient yogis and rishis studied nature in great detail. They noticed that animals with a slow breathing rate such as pythons, elephants and turtles have long lifespans, while those with a fast breathing rate, such as birds, dogs and rabbits, live only a few years. So they came to the conclusion that slow breathing is very important for increasing human lifespan. On a physical level, this is because breathing is directly related to the heart. A slow breathing rate keeps the heart stronger and better nourished and contributes to a longer life. Types of pranayama: Bhastrika Pranayama: Bhastrika is a Sanskrit word meaning bellows. This type of breathing exercise resembles howling. In this pranayama the body receives maximum amount of oxygen due to complete inhalation and exhalation. Kapalbhati Pranayama: A powerful method of Pranayama that cures stomach ailments, obesity, digestive disorders and many stomach related problems. Those looking to lose weight can practice Kapalbhati regularly. Bahya Pranayama: Bahya means “outside”. In this pranayama the breath is kept out during the practice, which is why it is called Bahya Pranayama. Anulom Vilom Pranayama: An effective method to purify the mind and body. Anulom Vilom pranayama is one of the excellent breathing exercises also known as Nadi Shodhana. Regular practice produces energy in the body and releases stress and anxiety. Bhramari Pranayama: 'Bhramari' is the type of Indian bee and 'pranayama' means breathing. So it is called Bhramari Pranayama. In!!