Pranayama is the process of regulating our Prana. On the physical level this involves regulating the air that we breathe. While regulating the breath, there are 4 main activities;
1. Inhalation ( Pooraka )
2. Exhalation ( Rechaka )
3. Retention of breath after Inhalation ( Antar Kumbhaka )
4. Retention of breath after Exhalation ( Bahir Kumbhaka )
Pranayama is an important prelude to meditation. Controling the breath results in control of the Prana. Control of Prana results in control of the movements in the mind. A tranquil and a calm mind follows. This state is essential to begin practices for stress relief and higher awareness.