When the Breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the Breath is still, so is the mind still. -- Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Breath is life. It is the most important function of living. Without breathing, there is no life. Indeed, we announce someone's death as "he breathed his last".

Yogic breathing -- sometimes called Pranayama -- is the science of controlling the breath. It is a series of exercises especially intended to meet the body's needs and bring about vibrant health.

Pranayama comes from the root words:

• Prana -- "life force" or "life energy"
• Yama -- "discipline" or "control"

• Ayama -- "expansion", "non-restraint", or "extension"

Pranayama simply means "breathing techniques" or "breath control". Ideally, this practice of opening up the inner life force prepares them for meditation.

In our respiration process, we breathe in or inhale oxygen into our body. This goes through our body systems as the basis of metabolism. Finally, we exhale carbon dioxide and take away all toxic wastes from our body.

Through the practice of Pranayama, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is attained.

In the ancient science of Ayurveda, we are said to absorb prana through breath control which then links our body, mind, and spirit.

Due to the stress caused by daily work, family, or financial pressures, we tend to ignore our breathing.

Modern day breathing tends to be fast and shallow. Your lungs function below their capacity.

Sleep disorders, and fatigue are some of the effects of oxygen starvation. Therefore, the negative energy of being restless and troublesome leads to lesser prana inside the body.

By practising deep and systematic breathing through Pranayama, we re-energise our body.

Benefits of Pranayama

Breathing is a normal part of our life, though we fail to pay attention to it. It is an autonomic function of the body that we perform even without concentrating on it. Why then do we have to learn yoga breathing?

Here are some reasons why Pranayama is important:

Pranayama teaches us the proper way to breathe. We have become used to breathing from our chest, using only a fraction of the lungs, not knowing that this unhealthy and unnatural way of inhaling may lead to several complications.

With yoga breathing, we increase the capacity of our lungs, bringing more oxygen supply to the body to function well. We learn how to breathe slowly and deeply -- the right way.

Controlled breathing reduces the toxins and body wastes from within our body. Your body works like a machine in peak condition. Imagine driving your car just after it comes from the workshop after engine tuning and tyre alignment.

Pranayama helps digestion. With the proper way of breathing, metabolism and health condition will start to improve.

Most significantly, we will develop our concentration and focus. This eliminates stress and relaxes the body.

Controlling one's breathing also brings about serenity and peace of mind.

Pranayama offers better self-control. With superior thought control, we can concentrate better. Through concentration, we can better handle our emotions, temper and reactions.

The mind can function clearly, avoiding arguments and prevents us from making the wrong decisions. Moreover, self-control also involves control over one's physical body.

However, Pranayama should not be forced and done without proper preparation, or it may lead to nervous breakdown. It is part of a process in yoga.

Breath control is a spiritual practice of cleansing the mind and body which should be done appropriately and with proper guidance and preparation.

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• Datuk Dr Rajen M. is a pharmacist with a doctorate in holistic medicine