Natural Breathing (Basic Meditation) – Yogic Technique to Be Mastered Before Any Pranayama

Before one jumps into the many ways of regulating breath through Pranayama, it is important first to first get familiar with your own respiratory system and breathing pattern through Natural Breathing. For the old and improper breathing pattern to be changed, it is crucial that this simple technique of natural breathing be performed to prepare … Read more

Ujjayi Pranayama (Easy Method) – Meaning, Procedure, Benefits, Precautions

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Ujjayi is a Sanskrit word that means ‘victorious.’ Its root word is ‘ji’ which means ‘to conquer’ [2]. The prefix ‘ud’ means ‘bondage.’ Therefore ‘ujjayi’ pranayama also means a pranayama that gives freedom from bondage. Ujjayi pranayama is very effective in unlocking the subtle states of the mind. Therefore, it is also called as the … Read more

Moorchha Pranayama (Entering a state of void) – Meaning, Procedure, Benefits, Precautions

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Moorchha pranayama is also called as swooning or fainting breath pranayama. It helps in emptying the mind and creating a sense of void. This pranayama strongly influences the pranic body. Learn the correct way to perform this pranayama below. Mention In Scriptures The following passage is from Hatha Pradipika, in which Swatmarama mentions about moorchha … Read more

Surya Bheda Pranayama – Awaken the Powerful Pingala Nadi and Inner Strength

Photo by Ivan Samkov: https://www.pexea-woman-doing-nostril-breathing

The word Surya in Sanskrit means ‘sun’. In yogic terms, this refers to the Pingala Nadi. Whereas, the Sanskrit word Bheda means ‘to pierce’ or ‘to awaken.’ Thus, the word Surya Bheda means to pierce through and purify the Pingala Nadi. This pranayama is very effective to increase vitality. Learn the correct method to perform … Read more

Sheetali Pranayama (Stay cool during summers) – Meaning, Procedure, Benefits, Precautions

Silhouette of Man Sitting on Grass Field at Daytime

Sheetali is a Sanskrit word derived from the root word sheet that means ‘cold.’ Also, the word Sheetal means something that is soothing, calm, and relaxing. The benefits of sheetali pranayama are many. Learn how to perform this correctly. Mention in Scriptures In Hatha Pradipika, Svātmārāma talks about this practice in the following verses, revealing … Read more

Pranayama & Breath Retention

women holding breath in water

In the previous article, it was shown how the breath and the mind are linked. In this article, we will discuss how practicing pranayama affects our breathing. When it comes to Pranayama, unlike popular belief, it is the duration of breath retention that is the main focus of interest. When the breath is retained, we … Read more

Mind control through breath retention

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Our mind or consciousness is always buzzing with thoughts, fears, anxieties, and dreams. There is always a constant influx of impressions on the mirror of our awareness. Sometimes all we want is to have some quiet and calmness. In certain situations when by coincidence we manage to become thoughtless, we experience an incredible lightness. We … Read more

Sitkari Pranayama (hissing breath) – Meaning, Procedure, Benefits, Precautions

Sitkari Pranayam or Sheetkari pranayama is also called the hissing breath. While performing it the sound of “see” or “seet” is made during inhalation. Kari is a Sanskrit word that means “that which produces” [1]. Thus, this practice is named so because it produces the see sound. Sitkari pranayama has a strong effect on cooling … Read more

Bhastrika Pranayama – Procedure, Precautions, Warnings

In the previous article, we have talked about the benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama and its mention in the scripture. In this post, we will tackle the correct method to perform this practice. It is vital to first prepare the body before bhastrika pranayama can be performed exhaustively. Bhastrika is a strong practice and requires a … Read more

Bhastrika Pranayama – Meaning, Scriptural References, Benefits

In Sanskrit, the word Bhastrika means “bellows” (to emit a loud deep sound). Therefore, bhastrika pranayama is also called “bellows breath” as air is drawn forcefully in and out of the lungs making this deep loud sound. A blacksmith used a device called bellows to blow air into the furnace to increase the fire and … Read more