Pranayama is main constituent of Yoga. This should be practiced with the guidance of an experienced Yogi Guru. It has many benefits such as it prolongs life, begets activeness in the body, strengthens heart and brain, concentrates mind, enhances tolerance and working capacity, delights conscience, brings sweetness in speech, purifies blood, improves digestion, awakens the Kundalini, balances the cough, air, bile and relieves of many diseases.
The main types of Pranayama and the methods of doing these are given here in brief. It is advised to be practiced under the supervision of the Guru to derive its optimum benefits. Pranayama should be practiced in a clean and calm environment. One should make a simple seat of a blanket, a small cushion or any clean and comfortable seat. Sit on it in one of the postures of Padam asana or Siddh asana, keeping the back upright, facing North or East and practice it.
There are 10 types of Pranayama which are explained here :-