There are three basic types of breathing. Clavicular breathing is the most shallow and worst possible type. The shoulders and collarbone are raised while the abdomen is contracted during inhalation. Maximum effort is made, but a minimum amount of air is obtained. Intercostal breathing is done with the rib muscles expanding the rib cage, and is the second type of incomplete breathing. Deep abdominal breathing is the best, for it brings air to the lowest and largest part of the lungs. Breathing is slow and deep, and proper use is made of the diaphragm. Actually, none of these types are complete. A full yogic breath combines all three, beginning with a deep breath and continuing the inhalation through the intercostal and clavicular areas.
The most gross form of prana in the body is the movement of the lungs, which acts as a fly wheel to set the other forces of the body in motion. When the movement of the breath is controlled all other parts of the body can be controlled, as they are of different qualities of prana subservient to the breath. Once the prana of the body is controlled, disease is eliminated at its root. This is the secret method of healing.
The average breath allows little prana to be gathered. When one masters pranayama, they can store great amounts. They become radiant with vitality and strength. Everyone they encounter notices this.