Pranayama and Breathing Exercises
Breathing Exercises – We combine different kriyas and movement with breathing.
- Hand stretch breathing
- Hands in and out breathing
- Ankle stretch breathing
This is very beneficial for beginners as it helps to synchronize body movement with the breathing.
Diaphragmatic breathing – Diaphragmatic breathing practice is a practice of series of prone and supine posture that are very beneficial for lung, to calm down, and to relax!
Awareness breathing – Awareness Breathing is observation of breathing with body awareness. Natural breathing is observed by placing the hands around abdomen, chest and shoulder. It also prepares for the yogic breathing.
Yogic breathing – Yogic breathing is also known as full breathing. It helps to utilize to maximum capacity of lungs.
Viloma pranayama – Viloma practise is also known as interrupted breathing. This improves the capacity of breathing.
Kapalbhati – In this pranayama, we practise active exhalation and passive inhalation. Kapalbhati is also known as cleansing technique.
Suryabhedana – Surya bhedana is a breathing technique where we practice inhaling through right nostril which activates pingala nadi
Sheetali – Sheetali pranayama is done by inahaling through the rolled tongue and exhaling through the nose . It has a cooling effect on the mind and body.
Sheetkari – Sheetkari is similar to sheetali. The tongue is folded and put inbetween the teeth. The benefits are similar.
Sadanta – Sadanta is also similar to sheetkari. In this, we put tongue behind the teeth and inhale through the crevices or teeth.
Kaki Pranayama – In this pranayama we put our lips like a beak of the bird and then inale through the mouth and exhale through the nose. It also has a soothening effect on our body and mind.
Chandra bhedana – Chandra Bhedana is a breathing technique where we do inhaling through left nostril that activates moon energy which is a creative energy.
Bija Pranayama – In Bija Pranayama we use the rhythm of Mantra to maintain the flow of breathing. This can be done by the practice of mental chanting or sound chanting also.
Vritti Pranayama – There are two types of Vritti Pranayama i.e Sama and Visama Pranayama. In Sama Vritti the inhalation and exhalation are equal whereas in Visama it is not. By developing the control over breathe we are able to maintain the harmony in our energy and mental state.
Anuloma Pranayama – In this Anuloma practice, inhalation is done openly from both nostrils while exhalation is done partially with one or both nostril. It helps to clean our nasal passages.
Pratiloma Pranayma – In this Pratiloma practice, inhalation is done by narrowing and getting control over one or both nostril while exhalation is done openly. It helps to remove lethargy and prepares for the further practice.
Nadisuddhi ( Alternate nostril breathing ) – There are three steps of alternate nostril breathing. We combine basic steps and advance to it with the retention of the breathing.
Bhastrika – 3 steps – It’s a systematic practice of Active Breathing Practice. It helps to awaken the energy in the body system.
Ujjayi breathing – Ujjayi breathing is also known as sound breathing. It helps to soothe the mind.
Lions breathing – It’s a dynamic practice which is good to improve immune system.
Bhramari – Bhramari also known as honey bee pranayama. A humming sound is produced during exhalation.
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