Conscious breathing practices have been part of ancient contemplative traditions for thousands of years. In the Yogic tradition, breathwork is known as Pranayama, which comes from the Sanskrit words Prana (life force or vital energy) and Ayama (expansion, extension, or regulation). Pranayama is one of the eight limbs of Yoga described by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, where it is presented as a practice to refine awareness, calm the fluctuations of the mind, and prepare the practitioner for deeper states of meditation. Within Yoga, the breath is not only seen as a physical process but as a connection between the body, the mind, and the subtle energy system. By observing and regulating the breath, practitioners develop greater awareness, concentration, and inner steadiness. Modern Breathwork practices have also been influenced by other traditions and approaches, including meditation, somatic psychology, mindfulness, and therapeutic breathing techniques.