‘Concentrating on poses clears the mind, while focusing on the breath helps the body shift out of fight – or – flight mode, ------ Melanie Haiken

In ancient times it was believed that breaths of each one of us are numbered, therefore, one must control and reduce the number of breaths to live longer. Of course later, many more advantages of controlling ones breathing came to light.

Pranayam is basically the modification of our normal breathing process, deliberately and consciously, by
•  inhaling and exhaling slowly
•  not breathing at all

Thus in Pranayam, a student assumes a suitable posture and then inhales and exhales slowly, deeply and completely, and also stops the breath.

Since ‘Prana' is the bio-energy in the body, controlling its rhythm helps in achieving a healthy body and mind. It relaxes the nervous system, providing relief from pain due to compression of nerve endings. The controlled breathing, which supplies the brain with a fresh burst of oxygen, leads to a control over the mind. Practise of Pranayam is said to reinvigorate and rejuvenate the mind as well as the body, improving the levels of concentration and clarity of thought.

'Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God.' -------- Krishnamacharya

When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady.  But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath. (Hatha Yoga Pradipika )

The benefits of Pranayama are numerous, but to summarize a few :