PRANAYAMA
Pranayama refers to seated breathwork or breathing techniques in yoga to control, regulate, and expand the life force within us. Hatha Yoga Pradipika says "without it all yoga poses are hollow and lifeless". We hope this can become your go-to resource for pranayama, one that you can share with your friends, family, and yoga community.
Part One: Basics
Our Preparatory Series is designed to help new practitioners understand the aspects of breathing in the context of yoga. These lessons will prepare you for pranayama and should be mastered before attempting advanced practices.
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Observe the breath
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Understand all aspects of the breath
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Experience prana in the body
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Strengthen lung function and capacity
v. Anuloma | अनुलोम
Interrupted Breathing in Yoga
The 5 Best Postures for Pranayama
Padmasana
(पद्मासन)
Lotus Pose
Svastikasana
(स्वस्तिकासन)
Auspicious Pose
Virasana
(वीरासन)
Hero Pose
Sukhasana
(सुखासन)
Easy Pose
Gear Up:
GET STARTED!
Calming | Cooling Pranayama
Sitali (pronounced see-ta-lee) is better known as the Cooling Breath - a yoga breathing technique that has a calming and cooling effect on the mind and body.
Sheetali (pronounced she-ta-lee) is also called the Hissing Breath - a yoga breathing technique with similar benefits that can be used as an alternative to Sitali pranayama.
Sheetkari | सीत्कारी
Cooling Breath
Warming | Energizing Pranayama
Kapalabhati | कपालभाति
Shining Skull Breath
Kapalabhati is known as the Skull Shining Breath and Breath of Fire. It is a Hatha Yoga purification technique that involves short, forceful breathing to clear the sinuses and brighten the mind.
Bhastrika (pronounced bha-STRI-kaah) is called Bellows Breathing. It is a cleansing technique that involves breathing in and out while making a sound similar to a blacksmith's bellows. Use it to energize and clear the nasal passages.