Yoga Breathing

Pranayama is a science in and of itself with entire books devoted to the subject.

We will take one style at a time, and work on them for a while before moving on. Check back in a week for the next style.

Ujjayi pranayama is the most common form of breathing exercises that we use in yoga. We utilize this breath of victory to regulate our practice, linking the breath and movements.

We begin by inhaling through our nostrils. We draw the breath through the glottis in the throat with a slightly constricted feeling. This is neither growling in the throat nor sniffing in the nostrils; but rather a soft sensation as if one were fogging a mirror. Like saying Ahhhh. A soft inhalation and exhalation for a count of three is the norm. One can feel the belly contract toward the spine as the exhalation is pressed from the lungs. Notice too how the belly rises and the chest expands as the inhalation fills the body.

This feeling is accomplished with a little practice, and should be done for both the inhalation and exhalation.

We typically do this this type of breathing exercise when we are practicing vinyasa, as the breath and movement pattern are linked well. It doesn't lend itself well to ashtanga or slow flow styles.

Once your yoga breathing practice becomes a habit on the mat, it follows you into life.

The breath of fire is an exercise where you lay on your back and inhale deeply through your nose. You purse your lips and exhale in short bursts through your mouth. While you are exhaling, inhale in short bursts. Basically, inhaling and exhaling quickly until the lungs are completely empty.

This breath exercise cleanses the lungs. Be sure to take a few big complete breaths before getting up to a seated position.

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