Pranayama is the practice of controlling your breath. It is very good as regular practice of this asana helps increase stamina, so a person an athlete must do this asana daily for 10-15 minutes. 
It also reduce stress and is very helpful for person suffering from brain diseases such as migraine, depression, hypertension etc. It also help in reducing weight. This asana burns body fat and removes toxins from the body.
Different forms of Pranayama
Pranayama is an appropriate control over the process of breathing. It refers to breathing exercises that are used for relaxation, concentration and meditation. There are following exercises of Pranayama:
- Anulom-Vilom :It is simple inhaling from left nostril, stopping breath for some time and then exhaling from right nostril and vice versa.
- Kapal-bhati :In this, a long inhale is taken where as forceful exhale is done from nose with pressure, while stomach is vibrated in and out.
- Bhramari :In this, the exhalation process combines with vibrating sound from the throat.
- Sitali Pranayama :In this, the mouth and lips are kept in an ‘O’ formation. The tongue should touch the teeth and the shape of tongue is like a curled leaf. Then the tongue is protruded and curled out of the lips. Inhale fully and hold it for 5 seconds; side by side neck is flexed, so that Chin touches sternum (chest bone). Exhale slowly.
- Sitakari Pranayama :In this technique, the tongue is not curled and lips are parted. The rest of technique is same as of Sitali Pranayama.
- Ujjai Pranayama :In this the air is inhaled through both nostrils. Hold the breath. Exhale slowly and deeply till the lungs get empty. This activity is done for five minutes.
- Bhastrika Pranayama :Bhastrika means a bellow used in a furnace. In it the air is forcibly drawn in and out.