Yoga Breathing (Pranayama)
Proper yoga breathing is the most important aspect of a Hatha Yoga practice. Mindful yoga breathing helps the yoga practitioner to increase oxygen intake, decrease carbon dioxide levels, and experience the relaxation response. In this state, the yoga student experiences increased focus, flexibility and peace of mind.
The most basic form of yogic breathing is the full yogic breath. To perform the full yogic breath inhale through the nose – fill the belly, then continue to inhale into the ribs and chest. Then exhale through the nose emptying the belly, ribs and chest. As you inhale the belly expands like a balloon, and as you exhale the navel moves in toward the spine.
For the ancient yogis and practitioners of Raja Yoga, the purpose of Hatha Yoga is to prepare the body for prolonged sitting and meditation so that the yoga practitioner can reach enlightenment, super consciousness or a trance like state. However, most many Westerners who participate in Hatha Yoga are not interested in Raja Yoga. For these people, the goal of Hatha Yoga is simply to increase strength, flexibility, balance and coordinating, while decreasing stress.
Types of Yoga Breathing Exercises
Dirga Pranayama (Full Yogic Breath)
Breath Retention (Kumbhaka Pranayama)
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Channel Cleaning Breath)
Ujjayi Pranayama (Conqueror Breath)
Mrigi Mudra (Deer Seal)
Simhasana (Lion Pose)
Surya Bhedana Pranayama (Single Nostril Breath)
Kapalabhati Pranayama (Skull Brightener Breath)
Svara Yoga Pranayama (Yoga of Sound Breath)
Anuloma Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Sama Vritti (Equal Breathing)
Shitali Pranayam (Cooling Breath)