About this video
In this video from Ayurveda Yoga, our Ayurveda expert Pardeep Singh explains the true meaning of Pranayama according to the Yogic and Ayurvedic traditions.
Pranayama comes from two Sanskrit words:
PRANA – the vital life force that sustains all living beings
AYAMA – expansion, control, and regulation
Pranayama is not just breathing. It is the conscious control and expansion of life energy through the breath, forming one of the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga as described by the sage Patanjali.
Breathing is life. When the breath is unconscious, the mind is unstable. When the breath is controlled, the mind becomes calm and powerful.
Video Chapters
0:00 – Introduction to Pranayama
0:19 – Meaning of Prana and Ayama
0:50 – Why conscious breathing is different from normal breathing
1:21 – The four stages of Pranayama
2:09 – Patanjali and the role of Pranayama in Yoga
2:36 – Pranayama for the modern mind and stress
3:12 – Mental benefits and inner healing
3:49 – Introduction to Bhastrika (next video)
4:13 – Closing message
What Is Pranayama?
Pranayama is the fourth limb of Ashtanga Yoga and consists of the regulation of the breath in order to control and expand Prana, the vital energy.
According to Patanjali, Pranayama has four main phases:
- Inhalation (Puraka)
- Exhalation (Rechaka)
- Internal Retention (Antar Kumbhaka)
- External Retention (Bahir Kumbhaka)
Through these stages, the practitioner learns to calm the nervous system, balance the mind, and direct energy inward.
Pranayama and Mental Healing
The video explains that in ancient times Pranayama was practiced mainly by great yogis and masters who were on the path of deep meditation. Today, due to stress, anxiety, and emotional overload, Pranayama is more necessary than ever.
While medication may bring temporary relief, regular Pranayama practice works at the root level, helping to:
- Calm the mind;
- Increase positivity;
- Improve emotional stability;
- Strengthen inner awareness;
- Support long-term mental health.
When Prana flows freely, the mind becomes powerful, clear, and resilient.
Pranayama in Ayurveda
From the Ayurvedic perspective, Pranayama balances the doshas by regulating the flow of prana in the nadis (energy channels):
- Vata – calmed through slow, grounding breathing
- Pitta – cooled through gentle, rhythmic breathing
- Kapha – stimulated through energizing pranayamas
Daily practice brings harmony between body, breath, and mind.
Discover Pranayama exercises and find your favorite:
https://ayurveda-app.com/yoga-meditation-and-pranayama/.