Regardless of the type of pranayama breathing technique you practice, there are always three main stages:Ī note: You will find these breathing techniques in both yoga practices as well as on their own, as meditative practices. They are recorded within ancient texts from around this time, such as the Yoga Sutras, and these texts mention pranayama as a foundational aspect of yoga practice. Pranayama breathing techniques are thought to have come into existence around the same time as yoga and meditation – in India, around 5000 BC.

So, you can think of it as a set of practices to control the 'prana' within your body through breathing techniques. 'Prana' means breath or life force and 'ayama' means to control. 'Pranayama' is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates to 'control of breath'. What Is Pranayama Breathing And Where Does It Come From? For that reason, I want to share these techniques with you. Through simply focusing on the breath, I felt a powerful calming effect throughout my body. I was genuinely amazed at the impact it had on me. I was aware of things like yoga and meditation, but I had not heard of pranayama breathing before. I had no idea pranayama was a thing, until a trip in Brazil opened my eyes and a subsequent trip to India educated me on the different types of practices.

Start with 5 minutes then increase your timing.Pranayama breathing is both a meditative practice in itself and a core feature of yoga (on a comparable level with asanas, in terms of importance). Step 6: When you are breathing, the air should fill your lungs to the fullest. Step 5: When you are able to contract your throat on both inhale and exhale, close the mouth and start breathing through the nose. Step 4: Once you are comfortable with the exhales, apply the same contraction of the throat while inhaling. Step 3: Once you are comfortable with your exhales, try to contract the back of your throat (your glottis or soft palate), constricting the passage of air. Feel the air passing through your windpipe. Step 2: Take deep breaths in and out through your mouth. Step 1: Sit down on the ground in any meditative pose with closed eyes and spine neutral. You have to take a deep breath from both the nostrils with a half-closed glottis.

This form of pranayama helps to keep your mind calm and body warm. The name 'Ujjayi Pranayama' is derived from the Sanskrit word “Ujjayi,” which means to conquer.

Pranayama steps with pictures pdf