The book presents theoretical as well as practical information based on traditional texts. It describes concepts of prana and pranayama, historical perspective and evolution, rationale, interrelationship with other Yogic practices, classification, varieties and effects, along with selected bibliography.

The practice of Pranayama has been viewed with fear in certain quarters on account of certain limitations, viz., the absolute necessity of the nearness to a perfected Guru, the dietetic restrictions and the like. Sri Swamiji has explained herein in clear terms the vagaries of such fears and has prescribed very simple and safe methods. The book contains suitable lessons for all types of Sadhakas. Those who follow the special instructions given towards the end of the book can be sure of their guaranteed success and safety.

In his third book Gregor Maehle aims at bringing about a renaissance of pranayama, the yogic school of breathing. For millennia pranayama was considered to be the quintessential yogic limb, yoga's main motor for spiritual evolution. To show pranayama's importance Maehle supports his findings at every turn with hundreds of quotations from yogic scripture. With unprecedented detail the author shows how pranayama is used to connect posture practice to yogic meditation and why it will accelerate your progress in both. Also covered are: - how pranayama creates health and its use in therapeutic application - mental and spiritual benefits of pranayama - the function of prana and the effects of pranayama - effect of pranayama on brain hemisphericity and balance of the nervous system - purpose of breath retentions and their precise technical application - in depth guidelines for the practice of pranayama - illustrations of the major pranayama and kriya techniques - the use of mantra and digital counting during pranayama - the appropriate diet and postures for pranayama - the importance and use of bandhas and kriyas before and during pranayama - how to set free your breathing pattern through exercising breath waves - descriptions of the classical pranayamas such as Nadi Shodhana, Bhastrika, Surya Bhedana with never before seen detail - how pranayama relates to raising Kundalini - a workable order in which techniques are to be learned and put into sequence with other yogic limbs - pranayama as it relates to the stages of life Gregor Maehle is practising and researching all aspects of yoga since 1982. He lived for several years in India studying with a variety of yogic masters and sadhus. He has previously published Ashtanga Yoga Practice and Philosophy and Ashtanga Yoga The Intermediate Series, which have been translated into several languages.

Prana and Pranayama, by Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, is a comprehensive book on the philosophy of prana the life force, and pranayama the expansion and control of the life force.This book offers a complete explanation of the science of pranayama as presented in the classical texts and as taught in the Satyananda Yoga Tradition by Bihar School of Yoga. The book explores the theory of prana and its related yogic concepts such as koshas, chakras, nadis and mantras. It also discusses respiratory physiology and current research undertaken on pranayama. The book also has a practical section, which contains particular guidelines for practicing pranayama, explained through instructions and illustrations. Throughout the book, biblical sources enhance the reader's understanding, bringing to light the unique spirit and intent of these classical teachings.

It is the only text dealing exclusively on the topic of Pranayama. The text describes more than 50 Kumbhakas. many of which are not commonly known. The author praises Meru Kumbhaka of which he describes 47 strages. These stages are a continuum of experiences the Yogi passes through as a result of continous practice of Kumbhakas. These are not described in the available texts. The text has the foreword by B.K.S. Iyergar.

Practical information on the advanced practices of yoga presented in straightforward language.

While yoga was originally intended to be practiced for spiritual growth, there is an increasing interest in applying yoga in all areas of life. It is important to understand this ancient science and way of life through as many perspectives as possible (e.g., based on biomedical engineering). As its popularity and interest grows, more practitioners want to know about the proven physiological effects and uses in healthcare. The Handbook of Research on Evidence-Based Perspectives on the Psychophysiology of Yoga and Its Applications provides research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of yoga therapy and its physiological effects from diverse, evidence-based viewpoints. The book adds in-depth information regarding the (1) physiological effects of yoga; (2) neurobiological effects of yoga meditation; (3) psychological benefits related to yoga, such as mental wellbeing; (4) molecular changes associated with yoga practice; and (5) therapeutic applications (for lymphedema, mental health disorders, non-communicable diseases, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and trauma, among other conditions). Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as pain management, psychotherapy, and trauma treatment, this book is ideally designed for yoga practitioners, physicians, medical professionals, health experts, mental health professionals, therapists, counselors, psychologists, spiritual leaders, academicians, researchers, and students.

The Hindu-Yogi Science Of Breath by Yogi Ramacharaka teaches advanced yoga techniques. For thousands of years, yogis have believed that breath is the essential link between body and mind, energizing a subtle body which connects the physical and mental aspects of our being. In this book, Swami Rama and two noted American physicians explore the science of breath as the missing key to both physical health and the attainment of higher states of consciousness. Basic yogic breathing techniques are explained so that one can immediately begin working with the ancient science of breath.

Swara Yoga is the ancient science of pranic body rhythms which explains how the movement of prana can be controlled by manipulation of the breath. Recently, modern science has taken great interest in electromagnetic fields and the behaviour of bioenergy, which is the inherent energy principle of the body. With exciting development accelerating in such areas as bioenergetics, psychotronics and kirlian photography, the science of swara yoga is now in great demand.