Pranayama

Basics of Yoga Stages of Yoga Benefits of Yoga Yoga Articles Yoga Diet Yoga Mudras Pranayama Yoga Bandhas Yoga Poses Useful tips for yoga Surya Namaskar Yoga FAQ

Yoga Exercises > Yoga Breathing - Pranayamas

Pranayama is an aspect of Yoga that deals with breathing. It is the breathing process or the control of the motion of inhalation, exhalation and the retention of vital energy. Proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control Prana or the vital life energy.

Agnisara

"Agni" connotes 'fire' in Sanskrit. In this pranayama the internal fire is stirred up, thus increasing the body heat.

Anuloma Viloma - Alternate Nostril Breathing

In this pranayama, you breathe in and out through alternate nostrils. Hence the name.

Bhramari Breathing

"Bhramar" means 'bee' in Sanskrit. In this pranayama a humming sound is produced while breathing just like a bee.

Bhastrika Pranayama - Bellow Breathing 
"Bhastrika" refers to 'bellows' in Sanskrit. Air is drawn in and out of the abdomen just as a blacksmith uses his bellows.

Dirgha Pranayama - Complete Breath

"Dirgha" connotes 'long' in Sanskrit. This pranayama involves a long and deep breath which fills all the three chambers of the lungs.

Kapal Bhati

"Kapal" means 'skull' and "bhati" means 'shine' in Sanskrit. This pranayama cleanses the respiratory system, particularly the nasal passages in the skull.

Moorcha Pranayama

In Sanskrit, "Moorcha" means 'fainting' or 'swooning'. This pranayama involves slow inhalation and retention of air for a long period.

 

Sheetali Breathing

"Sheetal" means 'cool' in Sanskrit. This pranayama has a cool effect on the body by lowering the body temperature.

Sheetkari Breathing 

Sheetkari breathing has a cooling effect on your body.

Surya Bheda

In this pranayama, inhalation is done only through the right nostril.

Ujjayi Breathing

The word "Ujjayi" means 'victorious' in Sanskrit.

Also explore the three important  yoga bandhas
and yoga asanas 

Read More

Anuloma Viloma - Alternate Nostril Breathing

In this pranayama, you breathe in and out through alternate nostrils. Hence the name.

Sequence:

1. Place your right hand on your nose to close the nostrils.
2. Fold in your index and middle fingers.
3. Place your ring and little finger on the left nostril.
4. Close the right nostril with your thumb.
5. Lift the fingers on the left nostril and breathe through it., retain your breath.
6. The right nostril should remain closed.
7. Close both the nostrils and hold your breath.
8. Open the right nostril and breathe out keeping the left nostril closed.
9. Breathe in through the right nostril keeping the left closed.
10. Hold your breath keeping both nostrils closed.
11. Exhale through your left nostril.
12. The right nostril should remain closed.
13. In the above steps, count to 2 while inhaling, 4 while holding the breath and 8 while exhaling.
14. Repeat the above eight times.
15. You can build up to 16 times at one go.

Benefits:

• This pranayama helps achieve a melodious voice.
• Anuloma Viloma restores normal breathing.
• It is beneficial for relaxation of mind and body.

ALSO SEE:

• Agnisara
• Bhramari Breathing
• Bhastrika Pranayama - Bellow Breathing
• Dirgha Pranayama — Complete Breath
• Kapal Bhati
• Moorcha Pranayama
• Sheetali Breathing
• Sheetkari Breathing
• Surya Bheda Pranayama
• Ujjayi Breathing

Read More