What is Pranayama Breathwork?
Pranayama Breathwork is a conscious breathing technique used to control the life force energy within a body through the breath. In yoga, prana is the universal life force energy in all living things. It is also referred to as chi. 
This prana or chi flows through all energy centers (Chakras) and a body’s energy points (Nadi). Prana has different levels of meaning, including the physical breath, source energy, and kundalini shakti, to name a few.
Many different things can affect how much prana is in a body. Various factors dictate prana levels. Things such as food, rest, breath, state of being, and frame of mind are all items that can supply, sustain, maintain or increase the prana within you.
Prana and The Breath
The quantity and quality of prana within you affects your physical, mental, and emotional state. When the flow and/or quality of prana is low or blocked, a person can experience an increase in fear, worry, conflict, tension, doubt, depression, or other adverse emotions (Shah, 2020). 
However, on the other hand, when the flow of prana is robust, consistent and continuous, positive states of emotion and well-being are experienced, such as happiness, positivity, and enthusiasm. Pranayama Breathwork can be used to increase your prana and unblock your energetic centers to allow this life force energy to flow sufficiently throughout the body.
What are some benefits of Pranayama Breathwork?
There are many benefits to Pranayama Breathwork. When we can focus on the breath, we can bring our minds and self-awareness to the present, freeing up mental space, facilitating clarity, and introducing a sense of calm to the body. Some of the many benefits of Pranayama Breathwork include :
- Calms the mind, reducing worries and anxieties
- Improves focus and attention, removing brain fog
- Increases energy, bringing enthusiasm and positivity
- Boosts the immune system
- Rejuvenates the body and mind
- May even slow down the aging process
(Shah, 2020)
Pranayama Breathwork is an Empowering Tool
In conclusion, the breath is linked to our emotions. When we understand the rhythm of our breath and consciously control it, we can better regulate our emotional states and more effectively handle feelings of anger, sadness, greed, jealously, etc. Using pranayama breathing techniques to transmute or change intense and undesirable emotions effectively fosters a sense of empowerment that allows individuals to feel more in control of their lives. This breathwork technique is a powerful wellness-enhancing tool that everyone should be familiar with and use regularly. If you are interested in finding out how Pranayama Breathwork can help you, book a free consultation!
References:
Shah. S. (2020). The Beginner’s Guide to Pranayama: Yoga Breathing Techniques. The Art of Living, Retrieved from https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/yoga/breathing-techniques/yoga-and-pranayama
