A Sanskrit term for intentional practices involving the breath. It is commonly translated as breath regulation or breath control.
How the term is used
Pranayama is the fourth limb in Patanjali's Eight Limbs and includes more than simply 'taking deep breaths.' Different traditions use different breathing methods.
Why it matters
It connects physical practice, attention, and meditation, but stronger techniques should not be treated as universally appropriate.
Read the guide Yoga for Beginners: What Yoga Is, How It Works, and Where to Start
Where this comes up
- Guide Yoga for Beginners: What Yoga Is, How It Works, and Where to Start
- Guide Yoga Beyond the Poses: A Guide to Yoga Philosophy for Everyday Life
- Blog post What Is Yoga? The Difference Between Yoga and Exercise
- Blog post Yoga vs Stretching: What's Actually Different?
- Blog post How Breathing Affects the Nervous System
Where this fits in a practice
The guides explain the idea in context; the service pathways are there when reading is not enough. Educational content only — nothing here is medical or mental-health care.