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Pranayama is composed of two Sanskrit words: "prana" and “yama"".
Prana translates to “life farce". It is the energy behind all life expressions
moving, thinking, feeling, etc. "Ayama" means a lengthening or restraining
and “yama" means to. restrain or hold back.
The wards together give us pranayama meaning to "restrain or master the
life force' or "the willful engagement of ones life force". Many people
expend their life force through indulgence and stress so. much that it
becomes weak and is barely felt. Through practices like pranayama with
postures persons prana can be raised to a level it can easily be felt making
them more sensitive and self-aware.
For Pranayama to. be most effective, sit erect with your back straight. For
many it is most comfortable in a kneeling position sitting on your heels.
Traditionally pranayama was practiced in a cross legged posture. If you wish
to. use this position you may sit toward the front edge of a folded blanket or
cushion this will help hold the back straight. If your knees do not reach the
floor place folded blankets under them to add stability and help relax your
thigh muscles. Beginning Pranayama techniques may be practiced in a chair.
If you use a chair it is important to. lean back and compress the abdomen
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