What is the basis of pranayama?
True pranayama exercises consist of three phases: puraka, kumbhaka and rechaka. During breathing for Pranayama, inhalation (puraka) stimulates the system and fills the lungs with fresh air; retention (kumbhaka) raises the internal temperature and increases the absorption of oxygen while exhalation (rechaka) causes the diaphragm to return to the original position, while air full of toxins and impurities is forced out by the contraction of inter-costal muscles. These are the main components of Pranayama which massage the abdominal muscles and tone up the working of various organs of the body. The success of Pranayama depends on proper ratios being maintained between inhalation, exhalation and retention An asthma patient is not supposed to do such practices independently. However, many preliminary pranayama breathing exercises have developed to enable one get relief from breathing problems and other allied diseases. For all Pranayama exercises (except Kapalabhati), the breath is slow and
