Yoga Breathing Techniques

Breathing is the most vital activity for those living organisms. Breathing exercises or pranayama (prana means life, ayama means control) would be the very basis of yoga. According to the ancient principles of yoga, an individual who can control his breath can control his life. Yogic breathing essentially consists of three types: inhalation, exhalation and retention of breath with different types of yoga breathing that serves different purposes.

While some of them have a cooling effect on the body, others help in relieving stress. You will find different types of yoga breathing, which serve different purposes. Although some of them have a cooling impact on the body, others help in relieving stress.

Bhastrika Pranayama

This breathing technique ought to be practiced, before any of another techniques. Sit in a crossed legged position together with your hands placed on the thigh. Breathe using your nostrils into your abdomen. Quite simply, you will have to do abdominal breathing. Slowly exhale, till all of the air comes out of the stomach. Continue doing this process at least 15 to 20 times before you decide to do the other types of yogic breathing.

Anuloma Viloma

This yogic breathing technique is called Alternate Nostril Breathing. It helps in cleansing and strengthening the breathing. The most important advantage of this breathing exercise is it helps in balancing both the hemispheres of the mind and in turn relaxing the mind. To get this done exercise, place the thumb of the right hand around the right nostril and the other fingers extended out straight. Once the thumb is placed on the right nostril, the nostril needs to be closed. Now breathe I with the left nostril, place the pointer finger on the left nostril, while you lift the thumb of the best nostril and exhale in the right nostril. Then inhale through the right nostril, using the left nostril closed and exhale with the left nostril with the right nostril closed. This really is one iteration of the breathing exercise. Repeat the exercise 12 to fifteen times on each side.

Dirga Pranayama

Also referred to as the three-part breath, this breathing exercise is usually for beginners. It basically shows you how to completely fill your lungs after which empty them.

Samavritti Pranayama

This exercise, also referred to as equal breathing, helps in developing focus and concentration while helping the body relax.

Nadi Sodhana

Also called alternate nostril breathing, this exercise works well for balancing the chakras and each side of the body.

Kapalbhati

This breathing exercise has a cleansing impact on the lungs and breathing, as it also has strengthening effects. To get this done pranayama, sit in a comfortable meditative posture, together with your spine erect. You will always breathe in and out only through your nose, choosing this breathing exercise. Contract the middle and lower stomach muscles, as you exhale through the nostrils. Release the contracted muscles and exhale forcefully. Still about 60 to 100 such strokes in a single minute. Along with forceful exhalation, you’ll want passive inhalation.

Bhramari

If you are looking for yoga breathing for relaxation, this technique is the right one for you. It features a relaxing effect and also gives peace and joy towards the person practicing it. Sit crossed legged together with your spine erect. Inhale using your nose, till the inhalation caresses the throat. Now close your ears while using index fingers and make a humming sound. Then slowly exhale while you continue to make the humming sound. The humming sound creates vibrations, with a calming effect.

Sheetali

This breathing technique can also be known as cooling breath. Many times, it proves to be useful in treating fever, reduces high blood pressure and it has a cooling effect on the central nervous system. It is also said to be helpful in purifying the blood. Sit inside a cross-legged position with hands put on the thighs. Draw your tongue out and roll up from the sides to make tube like opening. Inhale using your mouth, till your lungs are full of air. Close your mouth and contain the breath for sometime before you decide to exhale through your nose.