What is it?
Controlling the energy processes of our being.
Breathing is the primary focus of pranayama.
Breathing is like electricity for the nervous system.
Breathe can be measured in frequency and amplitude, similar to a sound wave
Amplitude - how big the breath is
Frequency - duration of breath
Holds - pause at top or bottom
Delays - pause in middle of inhale or exhale
Like changing octaves on a musical scale, it is also possible to move the direction and placement of the amplitude in relation to the full range of breath.
It is also possible to change the spread and squeeze the amplitude - this would be like one shallow breath and then one deep breath, etc
There are four parts to a breath:
- Inhale - puraka
- Hold at top of inhale - antar kumbhaka
- Exhale - rechaka
- Hold at bottom of inhale - bahya kumbhaka
A great simple breathing exercise is to do 4 counts at each part of the breath for 10-20 rounds.
So inhale 2, 3, 4, hold 2, 3, 4 exhale 2 ,3 4, hold 2, 3, 4 inhale...
Bhastrika
Amplitude - Normal
Frequency - Quick inhale and exhale
Holds - None
Delays - None
Kapalabhati
Amplitude - Normal
Frequency - Quick exhale standard inhale
Holds - None
Delays - None
Full Yogic Breath
Amplitude - Wide
Frequency - Standard
Holds - None
Delays - None
Ujjayi
Amplitude - Standard
Frequency - Standard
Holds - At top and bottom
Delays - None
Viloma
Amplitude - Standard
Frequency - Standard
Holds - None
Delays - In middle of inhales and exhales or at multiple steps during each
Sama Vritti
Inhale, delay, exhale, delay
Same ratios between each
Visama Vritti
Different ratios between the same steps in sama vritti