Through slow controlled breathing and breath retention one can tap into the cosmic energy of the universe, Prana. This is the yoga technique of Pranayama. Slowly inhale, hold breath, slowly exhale, hold breath, repeat. Gradually increase the duration of each step as your abilities increase.

"Pranayama, the formal practice of controlling the breath, lies at the heart of yoga. It has a mysterious power to soothe and revitalize a tired body, a flagging spirit, or a wild mind. The ancient sages taught that prana, the vital force circulating through us, can be cultivated and channeled through a panoply of breathing exercises. In the process, the mind is calmed, rejuvenated, and uplifted. Pranayama serves as an important bridge between the outward, active practices of yoga—like asana—and the internal, surrendering practices that lead us into deeper states of meditation.

Retention is said to be important because "it super-injects prana into the system," says Karunananda, and "builds up tremendous vitality." Students are also sometimes invited to incorporate healing visualizations into this practice. "As you inhale you can visualize that you're drawing into yourself unlimited quantities of prana—pure, healing, cosmic, divine energy," Karunananda says. "You can picture any form of natural energy that appeals to you. Then on the exhalation, visualize all the toxins, all the impurities, all the problems leaving with the breath."

[www.yogajournal.com]


books:

Yoga Sutras by Rammurti S. Mishra

The Yoga System of Health by Yogi Vithaldas

Science of Breath by Yogi Ramacharaka

thanks brome