Pranayama is one of the Eight Limbs of yoga;. Prana, which means "life force" in both Sanskrit and the yoga tradition, refers to the energy that keeps the body alive. The foundation of pranayama practice is breath control exercises, such as breath retention and deliberate methods of inhaling and exhaling for particular mental and physical benefits. Pranayama has a wide range of positive health effects, such as lowered stress levels, improved cardiovascular health, improved respiratory health, increased cognitive function, and more.