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.
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Use the player below to stream a low-fi instructional audio track for this practice:
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The 3 part breath or complete breath is nourishing, calming and relaxing. |
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The victory or ocean sounding breath is focusing, grounding, and aids in concentration. |
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Alternate nostril breathing is balancing, calming, anti-anxiety, and very relaxing. |
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The breath of fire or the skull shining breath is invigorating, energizing, and purifying. |
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The bee breath soothes the nerves and calms the mind. |
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The hissing breath cools the body and calms the mind. |
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The cooling breath cools the body and calms the mind. |
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The bellows breath is warming, energizing, and purifying. |
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