What is Prāṇāyāma?

In this practice

Key teachings

• Breath control for vital energy (prana)
• Connecting breath to states of mind
• The universal and personal nature of breath

Ideal for

• Beginners to pranayama
• Individuals seeking stress reduction
• Yoga practitioners looking to deepen their practice
• Anyone interested in breathwork

Lesson

Instructions

Prāṇāyāma is the effort or practice of controlling the breath in order to access the vital energy that sustains life. The breath is something that is at once deeply personal and universal. Every sentient being shares the experience of breathing, albeit in different ways. Traditionally, prāṇāyāma is learned directly from a trusted teacher. Different schools vary the order of the techniques, with differing results. Yet, the basic practices remain similar across traditions including concentrated inhales, exhales, and holds, rapid fire breath, and slow cooling breaths. These techniques lead to different states of mind.

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Steps

• Concentrated inhales and exhales
• Breath retention (holds)
• Rapid fire breath (Kapalabhati or Bhastrika)
• Slow cooling breaths (Sheetali or Sitkari)

Benefits

• Access vital life energy
• Regulate emotional states
• Improve respiratory health
• Enhance mental focus and clarity
• Calm the nervous system