Practice
Why Is Breathing So Important in Yoga?
Breathing is central to yoga because it links the body and mind and directs the whole practice. Moving with the breath keeps you present, steadies the nervous s
Breathing is central to yoga because it links the body and mind and directs the whole practice. Moving with the breath keeps you present, steadies the nervous system, and helps you find ease in a pose. Yogic breathing (pranayama) is a limb of yoga in its own right — the breath is considered a carrier of life-force (prana).
In yoga, movement follows breath: you inhale to lengthen or lift and exhale to fold or release. That rhythm keeps the mind focused and the body calm rather than strained.
Consciously slowing and deepening the breath soothes the nervous system, which is why breath awareness runs through every part of practice — and why pranayama is its own limb of yoga.
Frequently asked questions
- How should I breathe during yoga?
- Breathe smoothly through the nose, generally inhaling to open or lengthen and exhaling to fold or release. Never hold the breath by straining.
- What is prana?
- Prana is the life-force or vital energy in yogic thought; the breath is seen as its main carrier, which is why breathwork matters so much.
Related reading
- What Is Pranayama?Pranayama is the yogic practice of conscious breath control. 'Prana' means life-force and 'ayama' means to extend or reg…
- What Is Prana in Yoga?Prana is the yogic term for life-force or vital energy — the subtle energy said to flow through all living things and to…
- Pranayama: The Complete Guide to Yogic BreathingThe hub for breathwork on Yoga & You — what pranayama is, the techniques organised by what they do (calm, cool, energise…