The Basics of Pranayama

Deep breathing should be practiced by everyone and has been practiced worldwide for centuries. In our modern world many people barely breathe. It doesn't take a rocket scientist or a mountaintop mystic to know that breathing is a good thing. You also don't need to be a yogi to practice breathing. Breathing is the very next most important thing you will do in your life, so you might as well do it well.

There are many ways and methods to the practice deep breathing. The ancient Hindu art of breathing called "Pranayama" is great for beginners and reaches advanced levels. "Prana" loosely means "vital energy" or "life force" such as breathing, and "yama" means "to extend". Pranayama is part of The Eight Limbs of Yoga. When we say the word "yoga" in the west we tend to think of the postures and stretching known as "Asana", but that is only one aspect. Yoga is a deeply unique and varied personal exploration of techniques of self-realization. No two "yogas" are alike.

At the very basic level, perhaps you've been out on a beautiful day and taken a good deep breath. This made you feel better. This is like a drop in the ocean of Pranayama. The breath connects mind and body. It's nothing so mystical. Your breath, your mind, and your body are a part of your everyday experience.

The techniques can be learned in a day, but practiced and perfected for a lifetime. Pranayama is practiced in an upright sitting posture with a straight spine.
 
Beginner breathing:

Deep Breathing- Breathing deep into the belly first instead of the lungs is a good basic breathing skill. The stomach expands and contracts and the shoulders to not rise in this slow controlled deep breathing.

Alternate Nostril Breathing- Learning the art of alternate nostril breathing is an excellent technique for breath control. Place the index and middle fingers of the right hand on the space between and slightly above your eyebrows. With the right thumb depressing and blocking the right nostril take a deep slow inhale into the belly. Release the nostril. Then depress the left nostril with the ring finger and pinky of the right hand and exhale a long slow breath. Then inhale another breath. Switch to the right nostril again and repeat.

Ujjayi "Ocean" Breath- Breathing long and slow breaths into the belly with the air passing through the throat to create a sound like the ocean can become a very calming experience. This is the breath commonly practiced during yoga asana.

From here one can begin learning the more intense and powerful breathing techniques.

For more on Pranayama you can visit these websites:

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/pranayama/basic.asp

http://www.swamij.com/breath.htm

http://www.integralyogastudio.com/basicpranayama.php

http://www.thefitindian.com/5-most-effective-pranayamas-basic-deep-breathing-exercises/

http://yachnayoga.wordpress.com/pranayam/pranayam-stage-1-basic-lessons/

http://umsonline.org/Reading/PastIssues/2004/Spring04/Articles/Pranayam.htm


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