What is Pranayama?

The word Pranayama (breathing excercises) in Sanskrit is made up of two essential parts- Prana and Ayama. The Prana word means the vital energy while the word Ayama means to control, hence it is termed as Pranayama. It is the essential energy which actually manifests itself as one of the most self-energizing forces which embrace the body of a person. When this particular force enfolds in the body with entire control, it is termed as Pranayama.