Therapies... - Yoga - Pranayama

Pranayama is derived from the Sanskrit words prana, for "vital energy", and ayama, "to expand". This form of yoga focuses on specific breathing techniques that "expand the vital energy" by relaxing tense muscles, slowing an over-active mind, soothing the nervous system, regulating breathing, and promoting the transition into meditation, described below.

Many techniques focus on "alternate-nostril breathing", where one finger is used to close off one nostril while inhaling and exhaling through the other. The sides are then switched and the process repeated. This can continue for five minutes.

Research has shown that breathing through one nostril induces activity on the opposite side of the brain. Some theorize that this may lead to improved communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.