Introduction
Pranayama yoga is the yoga practice of concentrating on breath alone. The word pranayama comes from the Sanskrit word pran meaning breath and yama meaning control. In yoga, breath is often associated with pranayama, so pranayama yoga is a way to increase the pranayama shakti, or vitality, of the mind. Most spiritual teachers also teach the pranayama yoga postures to be done before a meditation or other spiritual activity. These spiritual activities are said to be particularly beneficial in generating more pranayama yoga practice.
Most schools of yoga teach pranayama yoga to students focusing mainly on the breath. However, there are a few schools of yoga that do not allow students to focus solely on the breath while performing their yoga exercises. Some of these include sivananda yoga, kenpo, and many others. However, these types of yoga have different emphasis and use different breathing techniques, which make it easier for the student to achieve balance.
Types of pranayama breathing techniques
The four pranayama breathing techniques commonly used by most schools of yoga are diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal breathing, chest breathing, and ujjayi breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing techniques are common in Pranayama yoga. In this technique, the breath is breathed into the abdomen through the nose and mouth. The abdomen becomes empty, or asanasuka, through the deep breathing of the breath.
Abdominal breathing is another common form of pranayama yoga class instruction. The term refers to the deep breathing of the abdomen that occurs when the breath is inhaled. It is often combined with diaphragmatic breathing. Kapalabhati is a form of yoga, which is used in a symbolic meditation pose. Kapalabhati is used to free the mind from the bondage of desires.
The third type of breathing technique is called ujjayi breathing, which is used in the third type of pranayama breathing exercises. Ujjayi is often considered more relaxing than diaphragmatic breathing. Ujjayi is also done slowly, to allow the person to experience the full effect of each breath.
Chest breathing is the fourth common pranayama breathing exercise. It uses the air going into the lungs from the nose to draw in and store oxygen in the blood. This helps you maintain your normal breathing pattern even when your body is tired.
Lastly, you have ova yoga and percussions yoga. Ova yoga is for pranayama yoga and percussions yoga is for breath control and yoga overall. In ova yoga, you breath in through your nose and out again through your mouth. You use pursed lip breathing to bring the oxygen in through your mouth, while using the pulled-in breath to push the oxygen out.
To Dos for achieving full benefit
To get the full benefit of pranayama breathing techniques, you need to do them correctly every time. There are many different versions of pranayama yoga. Some are basic moves that you can do anytime, anywhere. Others are complex moves that you should practice slowly, almost in slow motion. It depends on what you want to achieve from the yoga exercise. If you want to deepen your meditation or concentration, it will take more pranayama breathing techniques.
For example, you can use one of two types of pranayama yoga as a beginner’s workout. One is done while sitting down. You simply sit on the floor or mat with your legs straight. You then pull up your legs so that you are in the air and begin to inhale, or in the case of percussions, exhale. This is called directing your mantra through your diaphragm, which is the part of your abdomen that holds your breath.
The second type of pranayama yoga is done while standing. This is called targeting your mantra through your diaphragm and going deeper. Essentially, you are directing your breathing exercises through your hands, fingers and feet. You may feel pressure building up in your chest, but it is safe and comfortable to stay in the same position as you are sitting. As you breathe in, your diaphragm will hold your breath. When you exhale, your diaphragm should slowly release the breathing pattern.
Conclusion
It’s important to go slowly and intentionally when using pranayama breathing exercises. Take slow and deep breaths. Do not rush through the process. The goal of pranayama yoga is to be aware of your breathing, to be in touch with your breath. The conscious part of your mind is distracted by many thoughts that you want to drop away. Try to imagine a light touching your hand. As you touch your hand you can feel the prana that is there. That light is your pranayama breathing, and this is how you can become aware of the pranayama yoga breathing patterns. Through pranayama yoga breathing exercises, you can free your mind from worry and stress.
