Pranayama
Pranayama are breathing exercises developed by the ancient yogis for purification. Prana translates into "life force energy" and Yama translates into "control or mastery of". Thus, Pranyama is used to control, cultivate, and modify the Prana in the body. Prana is taken in through the air we breathe, and since the Pranayama exercises increase the amount of air we take in, they also increase our intake of Prana.

For all Pranayama (except Kapalabhati), the breath is slow and steady, breathed in and out of the nose and down into the belly. Always sit with a straight spine and a relaxed body. While you are practicing Pranayama, let go of any thoughts by focusing on the breathing involved with the Pranayama.

Audio: Intro to Pranayama
Use the player below to stream a low-fi instructional audio track for this practice:
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Dirga Pranayama
The 3 part breath or complete breath is nourishing, calming and relaxing.
 
Ujjayi Pranayama
The victory or ocean sounding breath is focusing, grounding, and aids in concentration.
 
Nadi Sodhana Pranayama
Alternate nostril breathing is balancing, calming, anti-anxiety, and very relaxing.
 
Kapalabhati Pranayama
The breath of fire or the skull shining breath is invigorating, energizing, and purifying.
 
Bhramari Pranayama
The bee breath soothes the nerves and calms the mind.
 
Sit Cari Pranayama
The hissing breath cools the body and calms the mind.
 
Shitali Pranayama
The cooling breath cools the body and calms the mind.
 
Bhastrika Pranayama
The bellows breath is warming, energizing, and purifying.
 
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Yogic Wisdom
One of yoga's great gifts to mankind is the discovery of the link that exists between energy, breath, and mind. As you change one, you also change the other two. If you excite one, the other two become excited and, conversely, if you calm one, the other two respond by becoming calm also.
John Novak

Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.

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