Pranayama, translated as the extension of one's life force, can help you improve focus, relieve stress, and deepen your yoga practice-simply through breathing. Essential Pranayama offers clear, approachable breath techniques and exercises for all levels of practitioner. Whether you're experienced with yoga and breathwork or just beginning to explore, this guide will help you quickly feel the benefits of pranayama techniques. Discover both the modern scientific perspectives and the traditional wisdom around the effects of pranayama on the body and mind. In this book you will learn: Why most of us do not breathe correctly How to unlearn faulty breathing patterns Why the science of sitting is so important How to get conscious control over the breath How to train the laser-like power of the one-pointed mind How to plunge into the vibrant silence of the breathless state, rest in profound, reasonless joy and truly enjoy life This book will teach you how to practice numerous specific breath control exercises on your own. Although pranayama is usually practiced together with hatha yoga, martial arts and meditation, it can also stand on its own because of its many benefits, which will also be presented in this book. You can take what you learn from this book into your regular yoga practice, meditation exercises, or simply use these exercises for a mental pause and recovery whenever needed.