Pranayama is a central discipline of Patanjali’s Raja Yoga (Asthanga) and of Hatha Yoga. It occupies a pivotal position between basic practices (like behavior deconditioning, purification and poses) and more spiritual practices.

Pranayama is a universe on its own which has several facets. The word itself can be broken down in two ways:

• Prana – Yama: breath control;
• Prana – Ayama: expansion of Prana.

This discipline regroups several physical and subtle techniques to reach higher states of consciousness.

This new YogĀrkana exploration is split in three parts:

• Preparation for Pranayama: exposes the theoretical and practical bases;
• Techniques of Pranayama: explores the different techniquese;
• Practice of Pranayama: proposes ways to integrate these techniques into a regular practice.

Preparation for Pranayama

Before diving into the different techniques of Pranayama, it is important to review the physical aspects of breathing and the

Preparation for Pranayama

Before diving into the different techniques of Pranayama, it is important to review the physical aspects of breathing and the