In yogic philosophy, prana is understood as the vital life-force that sustains the body and mind. It flows through an intricate network of energy channels known as nadis, and gathers at specific energy centers called chakras. Pranayama—the fourth limb of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga—is the practice of regulating the breath in order to control and direct this subtle energy. By consciously shaping the breath, we learn to influence the flow of prana and awaken the deeper dimensions of the self.
As the breath slows and deepens, the nervous system settles, the nadis are gradually purified, and the energy locked in the lower centers begins to rise along the spine. With time and dedication, the practitioner cultivates not just calmness, but inner power—tapping into a current of energy that supports focus, insight, and ultimately, self-realization.
