Pranayama – Ancient breathing techniques
The breath is the connection between body, mind, and soul. When you control your breath, you control your life.Yogi Bhajan
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word and can be translated as the “control of life force” or the “extension of breath.” It refers to the practice of regulating the breath to influence the flow of prana (energy) within the body, leading to greater balance, vitality, and spiritual growth.
In Kundalini Yoga, we understand that breath is far more than just air—it’s energy, life force, and a bridge between your body, mind, and spirit. Through the sacred practice of pranayama, we learn to consciously shape our breath and, in doing so, reshape our lives.
In today’s fast-paced world, stress can feel like an ever-present companion. Our bodies are constantly in “fight or flight” mode, responding to pressures from work, relationships, and everyday life. But here’s something beautiful: science shows us that our breath is the key to calming the nervous system and reducing stress. When we breathe deeply and consciously, we signal to our brain that it’s safe to relax.
Pranayama isn’t just about filling your lungs—it’s about creating balance within. Techniques like long deep breathing or alternate nostril breathing have been scientifically proven to lower cortisol levels (your body’s stress hormone), increase oxygen supply to the brain, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of you that says, “It’s okay, you can let go.”
Imagine this: each time you inhale, you are inviting in fresh, healing energy, and with every exhale, you release what no longer serves you. You clear space—physically, emotionally, and mentally. By simply slowing down and deepening the breath, you can shift from a state of stress to one of peace and calm. Try it right now. Consciously inhale for 4 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Do this for at least 1 minute and observe what happens. How do you feel now?
Studies have shown that even just a few minutes of focused breathing can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. Through pranayama, we take control of our breath to take control of our lives. Whether it’s through breath of fire for energizing or sitali breath for cooling, each technique offers you a direct path to balance and vitality.
The beauty of pranayama is that it’s accessible to everyone. You don’t need any special equipment or fancy tools—just you and your breath. So the next time you feel tension building or your mind racing, take a moment to pause. Close your eyes, sit tall, and breathe deeply. With each breath, know that you are returning to your true self, rebalancing your energy, and tapping into your innate ability to heal and thrive.
Your breath is a gift. Let it guide you back to peace, time and time again.
Sat Nam 🙏
If you want to conquer your mind, you must first conquer your breath.Yogi Bhajan
Thamsanqa is a given name, from the Xhosa, Ndebele and Zulu word meaning ‘blessing(s)‘ ‘fortune’ or ‘luck’.