Pranayama: Breath Control

The word Pranayama consists of: prana (the vital energy that is infinitely everywhere) and yama (to restrain or control).  Our vital life force of breath is a valuable tool to eliminate waste and replenish + rejuvenate energy.  Our breath practice can also serve us in means of working with symptoms of anxiety, stress, and general unease or stagnation.  Explore methods and techniques of breath control and how to apply these practices both on and off the mat.

Breathing Techniques

Ujjayi    |   Nadi Shodhana    |    Agni Pran    |    Kapalabhati    |    Dirga

Dirga Pranayam / Three-Part Breath

Dirga Pranayam is the three-part breath.  The three parts include: belly, ribs, chest.  This breath utilizes the entire lung capacity and is considered a complete breath.

How-To:
  1. Inhale through the nose, allowing the belly to expand, exhale through the nose while you draw the abdominal muscles towards the spine creating a slight contraction as you squeeze the oxygen out.
  2. Inhale through the nose, allowing the belly to expand and now also the rib cage, exhale through the nose while squeezing the belly until you are empty.
  3. Inhale through the nose, expand the belly + rib cage + chest all the way into the clavicle, then exhale through the nose while contracting and releasing fully.
  • A count of 4 while inhaling and a count of 6 while exhaling is good for most practitioners.

Benefits:
  • This practice is good for posture and lengthening the spine
  • Dirga breath teaches us to deepen the breath and expand our capacity
  • Calming, focused breath