Light on Pranayama
Written by B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most respected figures in the world of yoga, this book takes a close and careful look at pranayama, the ancient discipline of breath regulation. The word itself translates roughly as 'life force', and that sense of vitality sits at the heart of everything covered here. Techniques such as Bhastrika, Kapalbhati, and Nadi Shodan are all examined in satisfying detail. Research has linked consistent pranayama practice to measurable improvements in conditions like asthma, anxiety, and depression, and Iyengar frames this not as a quick fix but as a gradual, considered journey. Practised correctly and with proper guidance, it's thought to bring genuine balance across body, mind, and spirit. The structured programme runs across 200 weeks, asking just 15 to 30 minutes of daily commitment from the reader. That kind of long-game thinking gives the book a refreshing seriousness. It's richly visual too, with 190 photographs capturing Iyengar himself demonstrating postures from front, side, back, and overhead angles, making it far easier to follow than a purely text-based guide would be. A thorough 33-page glossary rounds things off, giving clear explanations of the Sanskrit terminology that beginners might otherwise find baffling. Published by Element in 2005 and available in paperback, this is a well-constructed resource for anyone genuinely curious about breathwork and its wider effects on wellbeing.
- Author: B.K.S. Iyengar
- Publisher: Element
- Genre: Lifestyle & Wellness
- ISBN: 978-8172235413
- Pages: 320 pages