Pranayama; What It Is and How It Is Done (as it were)

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi.

First of all, this is my first time on this forum, so Hi, Hello and Namaste (and Hari Bol, if you are thusly inclined…)

My question is regarding pranayama. I became aware of this practice about a year ago and have been practicing it, in various forms, though mainly anuloma viloma (alternate nose breathing) , and found it both spiritually and psychologically liberating; However, can anyone direct me to any sources detailing its nature, origin, practice, history and both spiritual and scientific workings?
I understand that for yogis it is a way to reconnect with life or energy forces, and for rascal scientists it is merely depriving the brain of oxygen and thereby creating light-headedness… or a simple of function of tense->release.
Which one do you believe in?
Do you practice it? How? Why?

Tat Tvam Asi,
Israel, Advaitin

#2

Can of worms subject to be sure I am sure you may get reactions from it isn’t Yoga without pranayama to avoid pranayama altogether.

“Yoga is not a trifling jest if we consider that any misunderstanding in the practice of yoga can mean death and insanity,” The Yoga of Light: Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Here is an interesting challenge site: http://www.kundalini.se/eng/citat-risker.html

You may also like this vid as it offers a wealth of quotes to consider and then a scientific slam.

And while search features on this forum may be challenging there are some to consider:

Be mindful of those who say anything is harmless:" I’ve worked in a coal mine all my life cough cough and it hasn’t harmed me any." “George Burns smoked till he was 100” You get the picture. Frame your own conclusions.