Pranayama contains various breathing exercises but the goal is not the breath but rather to reach the level of prana force which is the source of all existence. Through the breathing practices one can achieve a deep physical, energetic and emotional cleaning.
Pranayama is an ancient yogic breathing technique that is used as preparation for meditation and is a vital aspect of practicing yoga. It improves the respiratory system and purifies the body and mind.
Introduction of Pranayama
Implementing breathwork in yoga poses allows for more opening and presence. Come experience the interplay of breath, movement and energy and leave with an overall sense of well being.
Benefits of Pranayama
Daily pranayama trains the lungs and improves the capacity of the respiratory system immensely. Pranayam directly works on the nervous system. Daily pranayama positively affects autonomic nervous system which controls and governs essential functions of the body like the heart rate, respiration and blood pressure etc.
Clavicular, Thoracic and Diaphragmatic Breathing (Yogic Breathing)
Clavicular breathing is breathing into the top third of the lungs and no deeper. Clavicular breathing is accomplished by raising the collarbone (clavicle) and shoulders during the inbreath and keeping the rest of the torso motionless. Clavicular breathing is the most shallow type of breathing.
Ujjayi
Ujjayi breathing is a breathing technique employed in a variety of Taoist and Yoga practices. In relation to Yoga, it is sometimes called "the ocean breath".
Bhastrika
Bhastrikā is an important breath exercise in yoga and pranayama. It is sometimes treated as a kriya or 'cleansing action' along with kapalabhati to clear the airways in preparation for other pranayama techniques. Bhastrika involves a rapid and forceful process of inhalation and exhalation powered by the movement of the diaphragm. The movement of air is accompanied by an audible sound. One inhale and exhale equals one round of bhastrika, and it may be repeated for many consecutive rounds.
Kapalbhati
Kapalabhati also called breath of fire, is an important Shatkarma, a purification in hatha yoga. The Technique of Kapalabhati involves short and strong forceful exhalations and inhalation happens automatically. There are three forms of Kapalabhati:
- Vatakrama kapalabhati, a practice similar to the Pranayama technique of Bhastrika, except that exhalation is active while inhalation is passive, the opposite of normal breathing.
- Vyutkrama kapalabhati, a practice similar to Jala neti, it involves sniffing water through the nostrils and letting it flow down into the mouth, and then spitting it out.
- Sheetkrama kapalabhati, can be considered the reverse of Vyutkrama kapalabhati, in which water is taken through the mouth and expelled through the nose.
Nadi – Sodhana
Nadi is a Sanskrit word meaning “channel” or “flow” and shodhana means “purification.” Therefore, nadi shodhana is primarily aimed at clearing and purifying the subtle channels of the mind-body organism, while balancing its masculine and feminine aspects.
Bhramari
Bhramari Pranayama, also known as Humming Bee Breath, is a calming breathing practice that soothes the nervous system and helps to connect us with our truest inner nature.
Surya – Bhedi & Chandra – Bhedi
In Chandra Bhedana Pranayama, left nostril is used for inhalation and right nostril is used for exhalation. It is said that on inhalation, energy passes through Ida (Chandra) Nadi and on exhalation through Pingala or Surya Nadi.
Sheetali & Sheetkari
Sheetali Pranayama, also known as Cooling Breath, is a breathing practice that very effectively cools the body, the mind, and the emotions. Sheetali comes from the Sanskrit root sheet, which means “cold” or “frigid.” Sheetal translates roughly as ‘that which is calm, passionless, and soothing’. Sheetali pranayama calms and soothes the mind-body organism by activating a powerful evaporative cooling mechanism on the inhalation, delivering a gently cooling energy to the deep tissues of the body. Remarkably, this pranayama also enkindles the digestive fire—just as a live coal covered in ash might begin to glow under the influence of a cold wind
Sitting postures for pranayama sadhana-
- Easy pose
- Half-lotus
- Swastikasana
Wellness
Wellness
