Yoga Breathing Exercises for Energy and Tranquility



Yoga breathing which is known as pranayama yoga is the first step toward re-orienting and improving the functioning of your mind and body by learning to utilize the air you breathe. The Yogis were the first to discover the importance of this and so actually devised an exact science of breathing. They called it PRANA-YAMA, from the Sanskrit word prana, meaning breath, and yama, its cessation. Pranayama implies correct breathing and breath control.


The purpose of yoga breathing exercises is to supply the body with oxygen and cleanse it of carbon dioxide. Oxygen in the blood is vital for
  • Assimilation of food we eat for full filling body's various needs like rebuilding tissues, supplying energy

  • Stimulating the functioning of the endocrine glands

  • Providing energy for functioning of brain, nerves, heart and other vital organs

  • Distribution of vital energy throughout the body


But most of us are unaware of the fact that the loss of energy/ prana we often feel in our body is mostly due to incorrect breathing. Generally, we may be utilising only one eight of our lung capacity. This inadequate supply of oxygen results in improper waste disposal from our body. The body functions are slowed down and the cells/ tissues fail to regenerate themselves.

With Pranyama yoga, you can increase your intake of oxygen upto five times, you can get rid of five times of carbon dioxide from your body. Imagine, how will you feel then?


Three stages of yoga breathing process

  • Inhalation which is called (puraka), fills the lungs with air and stimulates the whole body.

  • Retention, is called (kumbhaka) during retention the bodies temperature is raised and the oxygen is absorbed.

  • Exhalation, is called (rechak) here the diaphragm is returned to its original position and toxic air is released into the atmosphere.

Unless otherwise specified, generally the ratio between inhalation, retention and exhalation is 1:4:2.


Types of Pranayama

Following are the pranayama exercises you can practice


Before starting the practice of yoga breathing, there are certain guidelines which must be followed for optimum results. Initially it is advisable to start with Breathing control, Deep Breathing and Alom-Vilom. Even the practice of alom vilom alone is known to produce remarkable results. Remember, you may do less pranayama but do not rush through to complete a number of repetitions.


Pranayama can change lives

Pranayama help keep the human body healthy; it helps it to stay youthful, supple, slim and vital. Pranayama results in better mind control. The more you increase your supply of prana/ oxygen, the greater will be your sense of well-being.
Pranayama lays the foundation for practice of asanas, relaxation, concentration and meditation.



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Return from Yoga Breathing to Yoga for Beginners

Guidelines for Pranayama

Benefits of Pranayama

Rhythmic breathing and deep breathing Harmonise your body with your breath

Alom Vilom Ideal Pranayama for Healthy Heart

Agnisar Takes care of your abdomen/ digestive organs/intestines.

Kapalabhati Ideal for respiratory system, boosts memory

Bhastrika Ideal for diseases of the nose, chest and cures Asthma

Surya Bhedi Warms up the body in winters

Chandra Bhedi Cools the body in summer

Ujjayi Cures asthama, cough, cold and diseases of nose and ears

Bhramri Pranayama Increases blood circulation, stimulates thyroid glands

Shitali Pranayama Has a cooling effect, makes you beautiful

Shitkari Pranayama Has a cooling effect, makes you beautiful





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