The inhalation and exhalation process is breathing. Inhalation can be described as an active positive breath and exhalation is a negative (in polarity breath). In between these two, there is a process called retention (Kumbhaka). It is called the transcendence of duality. Inhalation is called Pooraka and exhalation is called Rechaka. In normal breath, eitherinhalation isstrong and exhalation is week or vice versa. Due to pranayama, in pooraka the intake of air is slow, guided and controlled. Generally, it is either the same length as rechaka or twice the time of rechaka. This helps for the conscious control over the relaxation response. This can be achieved by improved breathing.
Improved control of the process of pooraka and rechaka means a more conscious and efficient absorption of oxygen and elimination of carbon dioxide .This results in to improved mental and emotional states.
The breath movement is due to the electromagnetic energy of the kundalini in the Moolaadhaara chakra. When the energy in the kundalini dampens the breath also diminishes and ultimately stops and the person is proclaimed as dead.It may be observed that in spite of ventilator fixed to a person in the ICU providing oxygen the person dies. That means neither oxygen nor breathing is the life force. It is only the pranic energy that enables the process of breathing.
Pranayamas are practiced with the help of asanas (sitting postures) and mudras (hand gestures). There are different types of pranayamas which can have either a balancing, energizing, vitalizing, sensitizing or tranquilizing effect on one’s physical,mental and spiritual levels.