Pranayama: The Yoga of Breathing

Pranayama: The Yoga of Breathing by André Van Lysebeth offers a comprehensive guide to the ancient yogic practice of breath control, explaining pranayama—derived from prana (life force) and ayama (extension)—as a method to regulate breathing for physical purification, mental calming, and spiritual awakening. The book details foundational techniques like alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana), breath retention (kumbhaka), and deep abdominal breathing, with step-by-step instructions suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike, emphasizing safety and gradual progression to avoid strain. Lysebeth draws on traditional Hatha Yoga texts while providing practical Western-accessible insights, highlighting how controlled pranayama enhances energy flow, stabilizes the mind, and supports meditation.