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tension. In anxiety the breath is shallow and rapid, in anger short and forceful, in grief arrhythmic and gasping, and in depression, sighing. Irregular breathing is also associated with neuroses and disturbed mental states. It has been observed that exhalation is uneven and incomplete in certain types of neuroses. On the other hand, slow rhythmic breathing creates feelings of relaxation, alpha brain waves and reduced muscle tension.
The rhythms of the breath relate to the brain rhythms, heartbeat, muscle tension, mental and emotional rhythms, hormonal and enzymatic rhythms, sleep and wakefulness, all with varying frequencies and intensities. These rhythms also take place within the external rhythms of day and night, seasons, years and planetary influences. Pranayama leads to the awareness of a rhythmic force within the body and mind. When one becomes aware of the body's vital cycles, they begin to work more optimally. Simultaneously, the mind can be trained to control these forces, thereby opening up areas of consciousness which are beyond the normal awareness and control.
Prana nigraha
Technically, the initial breathing practices are not pranayama, but prana nigraha, where one begins to control the breath and the prana. The same practice assumes the form of pranayama when control over the pranas is attained and the pranas have been awakened in the realm of the chakras. In the stage of prana nigraha, one uses the breath as a means to develop and intensify the awareness of pranamaya kosha. The nervous system receives a greater quantum of energy, which is essential to withstand the effects of higher pranayama practice.
Slowly, the pranas are awakened within the physical structure and blockages are removed from the chakras and nadis, thus paving the way for kundalini awakening. According to the Amritanada Upanishad (v. 7):
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