Pranayama: A Conscious Way of Breathing

Pranayama is the conscious perception and guidance of life energies which unfold the self in complex forms in the psycho-physical system of all living beings. Pranayama is thus more than a system of breath control. It has several aspects in the coarse material body and in the fine material body, directly perceptible ones and more subtly hidden ones. Prana manifests itself in body movements, in the metabolism, in sexuality and in all connsious procedures, and shows itself particularly clearly in the act of breathing. Thus, te entire psychophysical system, including the subconscious aactivities, can be brought into balance and harmony by a consciously directed way of breathing. Pranayama is the central practice of Yoga. This book is for readers living in the modern world of high-tech environment and life style, and serching for a soothing opposite pole to the external hectic life in the world of constant and fast changing surroundings to live an inner life in balance and harmony. When we are in a condition of stress, hectic and irritation causing nervousness, then our breath becomes flat and faster. In this state, a deep and steady breathing, consciously done for even a few minutes only, brings relief and relaxation. This is a simples act of Pranayama. This present book introduces us intelligently to the basic breathing practices and describes the fundamental aspects of their psycho-physiology.