Safety guidelines for safely and effectively doing Pranayama

As with any exercise, check with your physician before beginning a new regimen. Don't do Pranayama while driving or operating heavy machinery. If at any time you feel unwell while doing Pranayama, lie down flat and breathe at your normal pace until you feel better.

Always remember to breathe slowly and smoothly without putting any stress on the body. If it feels uncomfortable, stop.
Gunaji, author of Scientific and Efficient Breathing, recommends the following General Principles of Pranayama:
♣    Breathing Exercises should never be pushed to the point of weariness or exhaustion.

♣    Exercises should not be repeated too often.

♣    They should not be merely mechanical.

♣    There should be no hurry or haste.

♣    Attention should be concentrated on the exercise while it is being performed.

♣    There should always be variety and change in the exercises.

♣    Exercise should always be gentle and nonviolent.

♣    Breathing should not be jerky or irregular, but smooth, steady, and continuous.

Breathing - Information on deep breathing and its health benefits