Pranayama/ Breath Control
Pranayama can be defined as a conscious action of lengthening and deepening the breath, either while performing asana or as a separate practice.
Pranayama can be done as a form of meditation and as a seperate practice outside of Asana practice.
It is extremely important to learn Pranayama in the presence of a qualified teacher. Once learned, practice often.
Some forms of Pranayama will be easier for you to adapt to. You must train the musculature that supports breathing to breathe well, just as you must train you body to move well. Go easy with yourself as you learn and never try to force Pranayama to happen. This can put considerable strain on your nervous system.
"Breath is central to Yoga because it is central to life...and Yoga is about Life" Krishnamacharya
There are many forms of Pranayama including, Ujjiiyah (fire breathing) Shitali (cooling) and Kappalbhati (skull polishing). Whichever Pranayama technique you choose to practice, it is important to have awareness, commitment and repetition. Once your Asana practice is established, explore different Pranayama techniques and ways to breathe! For example, during your home practice, choose to use Ujjiyah breathing one day and on another day, Quiet breath. Observe how Pranayama effects your mind.
Just remember that Breath is an extension of your mind, when your breath is short, the mind is most likely disturbed, agitated or unrest full. Practicing conscious Pranayama, wonderfully restores the mind to equilibrium and elicits the relaxation response from the nervous system.
Sutra Study:
(As per Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga)
II.49 tasmin sati svasa prasvasayoh gativicchedah pranayamah
Pranayama is the conscious, deliberate regulation of the breath replacing unconscious patterns of breathing. It is possible only after a reasonable mastery of asana practice.