Pranayama Breathing Exercises

Let us take a look at some of the different Pranayama breathing exercises that are performed as a part of yoga.  

1. Anulom-Vilom Pranayama

Anulom-Vilom or alternate nostril breathing is one of the most common types of Pranayama. In this yoga breathing technique, you inhale through one nostril, hold your breath, and then exhale through the other nostril. This simple breathing technique has a very powerful impact on health and helps to combat problems such as allergies, sinuses, snoring, and migraines.

2. Ujjayi Pranayama

Ujjayi, or the ocean, is another powerful Pranayama breathing technique. In this technique you have to inhale and exhale through the nose while constricting your throat so that a sound akin to those made by waves is produced. This breathing technique really strengthens the lungs and helps in combating ailments of the respiratory system.

3. Kapalabhati Pranayama

Kapalabhati is an advanced yoga breathing technique which focuses on powerful exhalations by clenching the stomach muscles. This technique strengthens the core muscles and also allows all toxins to be removed from the body with the exhaled air.

4. Surya Bhedan Pranayama

This is a Pranayama as well as a technique of arousing the Kundalini Shakti. Surya Bhedan aims at piercing and arousing the Pingaia Nadi. This Pranayama arouses and increases the latent powers of a person. It provides heat to the body and purifies blood. Its regular practice increases the red corpuscles in the blood significantly, and provides relief in the dreadful disease of leprosy. It invigorates the mind and increases will power.