The eight limbs of yoga were written almost two thousand years ago in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These eight limbs form the steps to lead a person to enlightenment. While yoga is thought of as the asanas performed in class, this is actually only one of the eight limbs.
The eight limbs are Yama (universal morality with others), Niyama (universal morality towards self), Asanas (yoga poses), Pranayama (the control of prana through breath), Pratyahara (control of senses), Dharana (concentration and stillness), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (enlightenment).
The path to enlightenment is a progression, but the eight limbs aren’t practiced in a specific order. In your yoga class, you may already be practicing the fourth limb, which is Pranayama.
Pranayama can be defined by understanding the meaning of the words. Prana is energy, or the life force. Ayama means creation or distribution of energy. Therefore, the term pranayama is the control of prana through breathing.
In yoga classes, asana and pranayama are used to open the flow of energy through the body. Pranayama breathing is designed to facilitate the flow of prana and direct it through the body.
The breath directs the flow of prana, which increases energy, clears the mind and enhances consciousness. The control of the breath through pranayama can have varying effects on the body.
Some breathing techniques increase the flow of energy. Other breathing techniques are used with the opposite purpose, which is to calm and relax the body. The ultimate goal is balance.
Pranayama is practiced together with the third limb of yoga, asana. Breathing and movement work together to produce tapas, a sensation of heat that is believed to be part of the purification process.
Practicing pranayama breathing offers a variety of physical and emotional benefits. The body and mind are calmed and balanced, respiration is improved, concentration is enhanced and there are benefits in terms of general health and wellness.