What are the three aspects of pranayama?
-
Pranayama, the practice of breath control in yoga, consists of three main aspects: inhalation (puraka), exhalation (rechaka), and retention (kumbhaka). Puraka involves consciously and deeply inhaling air to fill the lungs with fresh oxygen, bringing energy and vitality into the body. Rechaka is the controlled and complete exhale, releasing toxins and stale air from the body. Kumbhaka, or retention, is the pause between inhalation and exhalation where the breath is held either after inhaling or exhaling, allowing for a moment of stillness and introspection. These three aspects work together to balance the flow of prana (life force energy) in the body, promoting.