Breathwork, conscious breathing, pranayama… there are many terms today that describe various manners of controlled breathing. The term Pranayama is derived from several Sanskrit roots: prana means “vital life force,” yama means “control” and ayama means “extension” or “expansion.” The breath is symbolic of life force, of prana, and pranayama may be understood as methods to extend and expand the vital life force energy through the conscious control of the breath. Each breathing related term has its roots and profound meanings.