Prana means "life force / vital energy" which refers to quite simply the breath, but also the energy that is flowing throughout everything and everyone, it is the vital force that creates, energises and maintains your life. Yama means "to control / restrain", therefore Pranayama literally means to control and restrain the life force that flows throughout your body. This might seem like a basic exercise that maybe could be useful for relaxation but Pranayama has been used since thousands of years ago when the ancient Sanskrit scriptures where written in India.
Throughout the time of Pranayama being used, Yogis have accomplished impossibly miraculous things but most usefully balancing and rejuvenating their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. A regular practice of Pranayama stabilises your emotions, eradicates mental or physical diseases (even those that hadn't come to your attention yet), and cultivates a peaceful and equanimous mind.
The Breath is so closely related to our emotions. Each emotion has a different breathing pattern - when we're excited, nervous, frightened, tired, angry... But you can learn to control this. By controlling the breath, you control your mind and emotions. You will be able to easily slow the breath, calm the mind and rebalance the emotions. Imagine how useful this would be in your everyday life.
Yogis measure their lives by the count of breaths, instead of years, therefore extending, controlling and restraining their breaths to extend their life span. The possibilities are limitless but for most of us in our busy daily lives, aiming to do a 20-30 minute Pranayama practice will calm your mind and body, relieve stress, revitalise your whole body and this is something many of us are in desperate need of.
Please note: There are some Pranayama practices that certain medical conditions will prevent you from practicing the techniques. Such as the Pranayama practices with fast rhythms or breath retention should not be practised by those suffering from asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, stroke, hypertension or are pregnant. There are also some other conditions for certain elements of the practices that should be practiced if you have these:hernia, gastric/intestinal ulcer, anxiety, asthma, depression, hyperthyroid but these will be indicated which practices cannot be done throughout the course as most practices are fine with these conditions. Check the video descriptions for all information on medical conditions
