Samanu (Purifying the Nadis)

breathingFocusing on Anaahata Chakra, mentally repeat "Yam" eight times while you inhale through the left nostril, thirty-two times while you retain, and sixteen times while you exhale through the right nostril.

Focusing on Manipura Chakra mentally repeat "Ram" using the same ratio but inhaling through the right and exhaling through the left nostril.

Proceed as in 1, but focus on the moon center at thye tip of the nose and mentally repeat "Tam". While you hold the breath, imagine the nectar of the moon suffusing the entire body. Exhale slowly, focusing on Muladhara Chakra and repeating "Lam".

Pranayama - Importance of Breathing

Breathing is the only means of supplying our bodies and its various organs with oxygen which is vital for our survival. Learn the importance of proper breathing in this section.

Belly Breath

pranayamaLie flat on your back to get a proper sense of deep breathing. Have some small pillows available to reduce strain by tucking them under the neck and knees. The natural course of breathing in that position will create a slight rise in the stomach upon inhaling and a slight fall upon exhaling.

Place your hands palm down on your stomach at the base of the rib cage. Lay the palms of your hands on your stomach just below the rib cage, middle fingers barely touching each other, and take a slow deep breath. As the diaphragm pushes down, the stomach will slightly expand causing the fingertips to separate somewhat.

This movement indicates full use of the lungs, resulting in a truly deep breath rather than the "puffed chest" breath experienced by many as the greatest lung capacity. Chest breathing fills the middle and upper parts of the lungs. Belly breathing is the most efficient method. Infants and small children use only this method until the chest matures. The yoga breath or roll breathing combines belly and chest breathing.

Pranayama - Patterns of Rest

In this section, know the importance of Pattern of Rest between inhalation and exhalation. Also, know the various benefits of having self-control in Yoga breathing.

Pranayama - Prana and the Body

Prana is the center of all Yoga Exercises and practices. It is the energy, the self-energizing force that embraces the body. Know more about Prana and its role in Pranayama.