Pranayama

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:

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