Sukha Purvaka Pranayama
In Sanskrit, Sukha means "easy" or "pleasant," Purvaka meaning "that which precedes" and Pranayama means "control of the life force energy" or "breathing exercises." This practice is a Sama Vritti Pranayama practice, meaning "equal ratio breathing" where the inhale and exhale are the same ratio. This practice includes Antara Kumbhaka, meaning "internal breath retention."
With this technique the practitioner learns to control the breath which in turn controls the mind helping to reduce issues of anxiety and stress.
Practice
Sit in a Meditative Asana or a comfortable seated position.
Allow yourself to breathe naturally for a few minutes, letting go of any tension in the body and calming the mind.
Inhale slowly, for a count of 6.
Hold the breath in for a count of 6.
Exhale slowly, for a count 6.
Hold the breath out for a count 6.
Finish the practice by preforming Shavasana for 5 to 10 minutes, relaxing the breath and letting go of all tension.
This practice is also referred to as
The six cleansing actions are intended to be the start of a Yoga practice in order to clean, strengthen, remove toxins and improve the flow of Prana through out the practitioner.
Yoga poses help to elongate and strengthen the muscles of the body as well as to calm the mind for the deeper spiritual practices of Yoga.
Breathing exercises are a great practice to remove carbon dioxide, increase lung capacity as well as being a good preparatory practice for the deepest spiritual practice of Yoga, Meditation.
The four body locks that makes up this practice give the practitioner the ability to hold or lock Prana in certain locations of the body. These practices also allow the practitioner to release blockages that may be holding the practitioner back.
The gestures in this practice include the whole body and are intended to awaken Prana, Chakras as well as Kundalini energy within the practitioner.
Meditation is the highest spiritual practice of Yoga which is why this practice is the most difficult practice to preform, but with correct knowledge and dedication, can be the most profound practice of Yoga.