Pranayama

Prāṇāyāma (Sanskrit: प्राणायाम prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word meaning "extension of the prāṇa or breath" or more accurately, "extension of the life force". The word is composed of two Sanskrit words, Prāṇa, life force, or vital energy, particularly, the breath, and "ayāma", to extend or draw out. (Not 'restrain, or control' as is often incorrectly translated from 'yama' instead of 'ayāma'). The origins of this yogic discipline lies in ancient India or what is known as present day Hinduism.