Discover the art of inner balance with the 7 Types of Pranayama, an ancient yogic practice that focuses on controlled breathing techniques for holistic well-being.
INTRODUCTION Our breath is the core of our existence. Therefore, in this blog we will cover seven types of pranayama and its benefits.
Types Of Pranayama Pranayama offers diverse range of breathing techniques with its own distinctive styles. Some focus on taking deep, slow breaths that helps you in calming and grounding you. While others involves controlling your inhales and exhales through your nostrils. Breath retention is another aspect of pranayama, where you either hold your breath after inhaling or exhaling, offering various benefits. Exploring pranayama can lead to relaxation, increased energy, enhanced focus, purification of energy channels, and improved respiratory function, making it a worthwhile breathing adventure.
Sit comfortably. Place one hand on the belly and the other on the chest. Inhale through your nostrils, letting your belly rise. Exhale slowly through your nose, allowing your belly to fall inward. Repeat. 1. Deep Belly Breathing (Diaphragmatic Breathing)
Benefits Of Deep Belly Breathing (Diaphragmatic Breathing) Calms the nervous system by activating the parasympathetic system, reducing stress. Improves digestion and nutrient absorption through diaphragmatic engagement. Induces relaxation and tranquility with slow, deep breaths.
Sit comfortably keeping an upright posture. Fold the index and middle fingers of the right hand. Close the right nostril with the right thumb and inhale through the left nostril. Close the left nostril with the ring finger and exhale through the right nostril. Alternate nostrils for multiple rounds, focusing on the breath flow. 2. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Benefits Of Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) Balances prana flow, promoting body-mind harmony. Boosts mental clarity, concentration, and cognitive function. Reduces anxiety, induces calmness, and eases stress.
Sit comfortably with an upright spine. Inhale deeply to fill your lungs. Exhale forcefully through your nose in short, rapid bursts. Let inhales occur naturally as exhales become rhythmic. Repeat the forceful exhale and passive inhale patterns, gradually increasing speed. 3. Kapalabhati (Skull Shinning Breath)
Benefits Of Kapalabhati (Skull Shinning Breath) It helps cleanse the respiratory system, improving lung health and function. Boosts lung capacity and enhances oxygen intake. This helps increase energy, stimulate circulation, and invigorate the mind.
Sit comfortably and relax. Inhale deeply through the nose, creating a gentle ocean-like sound by constricting the throat. Exhale slowly through the nose, maintaining the throat constriction for the same sound. Continue this deep, audible breath, focusing on the sound and breath sensation. 4. Ujjayi Breath (Victorious Breath)
Benefits Of Ujjayi Breath (Victorious Breath) The gentle constriction promotes deep relaxation with its soothing sound. It helps regulate body temperature and maintain internal balance. Ujjayi breath enhances concentration, focus, and mental clarity through rhythmic, audible breath.
Sit comfortably with an upright spine. Roll your tongue or purse your lips to make a small opening. Inhale slowly through your mouth. Exhale slowly through your nose, focusing on the cool air entering and the warm air leaving your body. 5. Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breathing)
Benefits Of Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breathing) It cools the body and mind, lowering body heat and promoting mental calmness. Reduces anger, frustration, and anxiety by triggering the body's relaxation response. It enhances digestion and relieves digestive discomfort with its cooling effect.
Sit comfortably in an upright posture. Relax by closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Gently cover your ear openings with your index fingers. Inhale deeply through your nose. Exhale slowly, making a low humming sound like a bee, feeling the vibrations throughout your body. 6. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)
Benefits Of Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath) Eases stress, anxiety, and tension. Promotes mental clarity and restful sleep. Enhances emotional release, inner peace, focus, and concentration.
Get comfortable and relax. Left hand on left knee, palm up. Right hand, fold index and middle fingers. Inhale through the left nostril, closing the right nostril with your thumb. Close your left nostril with a ring finger and exhale through the right nostril, then inhale. Continue this alternate nostril breathing, focusing on breath flow and pauses. 7. Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing with Retention)
Benefits Of Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing with Retention) Balances energy flow and purifies the nadis . It boosts respiratory function and reduces anxiety. Promotes relaxation and mental clarity. Enhances concentration.
CONCLUSION Congratulations on your exploration of various Pranayama techniques, each offering unique mind, body, and spirit benefits. Embrace conscious breathing's transformative power as you integrate these practices into your daily routine, elevating your overall well-being and vitality.