"The main problem in the world is stress. It is not going to decrease – it is going to increase. If through pranayam the shock can be harnessed, the entire stress and disease can be eliminated.”
Yogi Bhajan
The breath is a fundamental tool to Kundalini yoga, it:
- Promotes health & Vitality
- Opens the range and creativity of the emotions
- Develops Concentration - Slows down the mind
- Controls moods
- Promotes a feeling of connectedness
The quantity, quality and circulation of breath creates the foundation of a vital and creative life. Most people do not breathe correctly. When we consciously lower the frequency of breaths per minute, we encourage great 
benefits. Normally we find that men breathe between 16-18 breaths per minute, women generally breathe 18-20 breaths per minute. 8 Breaths per minute If we can consciously breathe, 8 breaths per minute we begin to feel more relaxed. The parasympathetic nervous system begins to be influenced and the healing processes of the body are elevated we also get relief from stress and increased mental awareness. 4 Breaths per minute At this rate the Pituitary & Pineal glands begin to coordinate at an enhanced level thereby producing a meditative state.
Positive shifts in mental function begin; we tend to experience intense feelings of awareness, increased visual clarity and sometimes heightened body sensitivity. Advanced yogi’s who have had a lot of practice can achieve 1 breath per minute. They experience a stronger connection between brain hemispheres, relief from anxiety and fear, increased intuition and the presence of spirit. Many people learn to breath backwards, they inhale pulling the belly in, which makes the space for the breath to enter less instead of more. People who are anxious or smoke tend to breath like this. A natural breath uses the nose, which filters, warms and humidifies the air. There are many different breathing techniques used in Kundalini Yoga and many of these techniques are incorporated into the Kriya and meditations used in this yoga.