Pranayama is an ancient yogic breathing technique that is used as preparation for meditation and is a vital aspect of practising yoga. It improves the respiratory system and purifies the body and mind. Pranayama topics include an introduction, aspects of pranayama, different types of prana and types of yogic breathing. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) Ujjayi (the psychic or victorious breath) Shitkari (hissing breath) Sheetali (cooling breath) Kapalabhati (frontal brain cleansing breath) Bhramari (humming bee breath) Bhastrika (bellows breath) Suryabheda (vitality stimulating breath) including advance variations.