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In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yogi Swatmarama says, “When respiration is disturbed, the mind gets disturbed. When breath is steady and undisturbed, mind is also steady and undisturbed. By consciously controlling respiration, the Yogi attains steadiness of mind” (II:2).14 He also says, “Mind is the master of the senses, while the breath is its Lord. Mastery of the breath lies in its absorption that depends on conscious vibrations induced during smooth, steady inhalation and exhalation” (IV:29). He lists the important breath-based energy practices (kumbhaka) such as skull shining breath (kapalbhati), sun-cleaving breath (surya bhedana), victorious breath (ujjayi), hissing breath (sitkari), beak tongue breath (sitali), bellows breath (bhastrika), and bee-sounding breath (bhramari), among others.15 He also warns us that, although pranayama can eradicate all diseases, it may cause a multitude of problems if performed improperly (II:16).

According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, when the nerves are purified by pranayama, the body becomes slender and lustrous, gastric fire increases, inner sounds are heard, and excellent health is attained. Chapter II, verses 36–68 describe the benefits of each pranayama: