Pranayama is the ancient yogic practice of breath control, developed over thousands of years within meditation and spiritual traditions. Western breathwork is the modern scientific study of breathing techniques and their effects on nervous system, brain function, and psychology. Both work, but they approach breathing from different frameworks.
Pranayama encompasses specific techniques (nadi shodhana, ujjayi, bhastrika) developed to access consciousness states and prepare for meditation. It uses energy concepts (prana, chakras, nadis) not part of Western scientific model. Pranayama is holistic and spiritual. Western breathwork focuses on measurable nervous system effects (heart rate variability, vagal tone, cortisol reduction) and validates techniques through research.
Both are valuable. Pranayama offers depth, spiritual context, and millennia of refined practice. Western breathwork offers scientific validation, accessibility, and measurement. The ideal approach: learn both. Use western techniques for daily nervous system management, explore pranayama for spiritual deepening and traditional wisdom.