There are a variety of various respiration methods in yoga that may ease stress, and make you are feeling much less anxious and calm.
We use the time period ‘Pranayama’ for a set of yogic respiration workouts. Nevertheless, one should know respiration workouts are completely different from Pranayama respiration methods.
Mechanically a Pranayama follow might look just like a easy respiration train however truly, in pranayama, we don’t simply give attention to the motion of air out and in of the lungs, as we do in a respiration train.
Pranayama follow focuses on consciously increasing the breath by way of numerous technique of methods, which decelerate the entire respiration cycle to a state of stillness, leading to a meditative state of calm.
On this article, you’ll perceive the classification of pranayama and based mostly on that, you’ll know 15 several types of pranayama respiration methods and advantages. In case you are taken with understanding about pranayama in nice depth, I’d recommend studying this newbie’s information to Pranayama and the 12 science-backed advantages of pranayama.
To start with, The Eight Classical Pranayama
In keeping with Hatha Yoga Pradipika (an historical textual content of yoga), there are 8 variety of pranayama combinedly referred to as ‘8 Kumbhakas’, and often known as ‘Eight classical pranayamas’. All of the pranayamas that we do in yoga are in some way modified variations of those 8 classical pranayamas.
Kevala Kumbhaka and Sahita Pranayama
Within the yogic philosophy of pranayama, the respiration course of is split into three elements; Inhalation (Puraka) — Retention Holding (Kumbhaka) — Exhalation (Rechaka). An important facet of pranayama is kumbhaka (i.e. breath retention). Nevertheless, we give attention to Inhalation & exhalation in numerous pranayama varieties, however it’s ‘breath retention (kumbhaka)’ {that a} yogi goals to develop by way of a pranayama follow. That is why completely different pranayama varieties are additionally referred to as ‘Kumbhakas’ in Sanskrit.
When pranayama is finished with aware effort and never spontaneously, means after we attempt to domesticate consciousness to watch our breath, it’s referred to as Sahita Pranayama. Sahita means linked; breath retention (kumbhaka) is linked with inhalation and exhalation. The 8 classical pranayamas talked about above are literally the practices of Sahita pranayama solely.
With lengthy constant follow, when kumbhaka begins taking place with none aware effort or an obvious affiliation with both inhalation or exhalation, it’s referred to as Kevala Kumbhaka. It’s the best stage of pranayama the place a yogi with out effort spontaneously holds their breath at will. This pranayama results in the opening of Sushumna Nadi, kundalini awakening and at last Samadhi.
Kinds of Pranayama Respiratory Strategies and Advantages
Grasp yoga gurus recommend that the most effective time to follow pranayama and yoga, typically, is Brahmamuhurta – early within the morning and on an empty abdomen. Ideally, pranayama needs to be practised in an open area with good air high quality.
It’s suggested to follow pranayama in seated comfy postures solely. Initially one can start by merely watching their pure breath after which strive completely different methods. It’s additionally beneficial to mix several types of mudras with pranayama respiration to deepen its results.
Every sort of pranayama can arouse explicit areas of the mind and impacts the physique in a different way. You may give every a strive. Listed below are 15 sorts of pranayama respiration methods.
- Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate nostril respiration)
- Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows respiration)
- Kapalbhati Pranayama (Cranium shining breath)
- Bhramari Pranayama (Bee respiration)
- Anulom Vilom Pranayama
- Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling breath)
- Surya Bhedna Pranayama (Proper nostril respiration)
- Chandra Bhedna Pranayama (Left nostril respiration)
- Sheetkari Pranayama (Hissing breath)
- Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious breath)
- Plavini Pranayama (Floating breath)
- Murcha Pranayama (Swooning breath)
- Sama Vritti Pranayama (Equal/sq. respiration)
- Dirgha Pranayama (Three-Half respiration)
- Udgeeth Pranayama (Chanting breath)
1. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Respiratory)
That is the primary sort of pranayama and is most practised due to its soothing results on the mind. Popularly often known as a type of alternate nostril respiration, it’s a gradual and deep yoga respiration train.
On this pranayama, we shut our nostrils alternatively in a manner that balances the left and proper mind hemispheres.
To evaluate the consequences of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama on coronary coronary heart illness sufferers, an experimental examine was carried out in 2019. In people who endure Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgical procedure, it’s discovered on this examine on practising Nadi shodhan pranayama;
- A big discount in each state and trait anxiousness has proven after 6 weeks
- Put up-operative ache and struggling of sufferers have decreased
- A big discount in despair, stress, anxiousness, and peak expiratory circulation charge has been measured within the pre and post-surgery
One other experimental examine reveals the instant results of Nadi Shodhan on wholesome people’ coronary heart charge, blood strain, and problem-solving potential. It’s discovered on this examine;
- Nadi shodhan refreshes air all through the lungs and alters autonomic exercise. It considerably declines the guts charge and systolic blood strain.
- Peak expiratory circulation charge improved which reveals a wholesome lung situation.
- Because of higher adaptability for psychological stress-induced after working towards nadi shodhan participant’s mathematical problem-solving time decreased considerably.
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama steps and advantages
2. Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath)
In distinction to gradual and deep respiration, bhastrika pranayama is available in quick and brief respiration sort pranayama. Bhastrika actually means “bellows breath”
On this pranayama, exaggerated and forceful respiration is carried out partaking the diaphragm and stomach muscle mass.
Fast enlargement and contraction of stomach muscle mass create a bellows motion to ignite the physique’s warmth, therefore also called breath of fireside.
Bhatrika pranayama could be very efficient in revitalizing the working of the lungs. In a 2019 examine, bhastrika pranayama impact on lung perform is examined amongst 30 wholesome people and it has discovered;
- A big increment is noticed within the Pressured important capability, pressured expiratory quantity within the first second, Peak expiratory circulation charge, and most voluntary air flow.
- The elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall elevated thereby strengthening the respiratory muscle mass.
In 2009, one other scientific examine on the consequences of bhastrika on coronary heart charge and blood strain carried out. This time gradual tempo bhastrika pranayama is carried out for five minutes adopted by the measurement of blood strain and coronary heart charge. The comparative examine between the readings of given parameters earlier than and after bhastrika concluded that:
- There’s a vital discount in systolic and diastolic blood strain.
- A slight decrement within the coronary heart charge.
- The parasympathetic nervous system can also be stimulated which purchased a way of calmness and reduces stress.
Observe Bhastrika Pranayama & Its Advantages
3. Kapalbhati Pranayama
Kapalbhati is a sort of pranayama that may be categorized underneath quick, asymmetrical, and diaphragmatic respiration. In kapalbhati Pranayama, forceful exhalation is attributed to the whole detox of the physique by cleaning the Kapal (cranium).
In addition to pranayama, kapalbhati is without doubt one of the purification methods of shatkarma.
Forceful exhalation in kapalbhati decompresses the cerebrospinal fluid within the mind. It massages the mind cells and you are feeling lighter after performing it.
Many research executed up to now have evaluated advantages of Kapalbhati on the physique and thoughts.
- Kapabhati is like heat up workouts for respiratory muscle mass to extend lung capability.
- It additionally will increase the circulation of oxygen-rich blood within the physique which in flip will increase melanin proportion to glow pores and skin.
- Kapalbhati will increase the metabolic charge of the physique. Quicker metabolism results in elevated calorie consumption and additional, helps in weight reduction.
- It has been proven in a examine, only one month of kapalbhati has decreased the blood sugar degree in diabetic people.
- The pelvic flooring muscle mass are strengthened after practising kalpalbhati for 4 weeks and proved to be efficient in lowering menopausal problems.
Kapalbhati Pranayama Advantages and Carry out Appropriately
4. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)
Bhramari pranayama is essentially the most stress-free respiration method anybody can do simply to eliminate stress and anxiousness immediately. Bhramari means buzzing bee.
In Bhramari pranayama, as you exhale, the ear canal is closed with index fingers and a buzzing sound is produced from the again of the throat. The thoughts is concentrated on the vibratory sound of a buzzing bee in extended exhalation.
Whenever you follow it lengthy sufficient, little impulses of soothing buzzing sound proceed vibrating in your head. It retains stress and anxiousness away from you.
Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath) steps and advantages
5. Anulom Vilom Pranayama
Anulom Vilom pranayama is a sort of alternate nostril respiration carried out with the fitting hand in Vishnu Mudra.
To carry out Anulom Vilom, shut the fitting nostril with the fitting thumb inhale from the left nostril. Then shut the left nostril with the ring and little finger, exhale from the fitting nostril. Repeat on this method alternatively.
To some extent, anulom vilom related pranayama to Nadi Shodhan pranayama.
Though there’s a fairly distinction between each; Anulom vilom is a balancing sort of pranayama that maintains the circulation of Prana in Ida and Pingala Nadi equally. Whereas Nadi shodhana is a cleaning pranayama sort that serves the aim of Nadis purification.
Some scientific research have confirmed advantages of anulom vilom;
- In a examine, It has proven anulom vilom considerably improves the lung perform of swimmers. It will increase lung capability and interval of breath retention.
- Anulom Vilom Pranayama for half-hour a day (for 40 days) can resolve sinus irritation (rhinosinusitis), an RCT concluded.
- It additionally impacts the cognitive features of the mind together with studying, pondering, reasoning, remembering, and problem-solving abilities compared to Vinyasa circulation sort yoga poses.
6. Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath)
Sheetali pranayama is a cooling respiration method. Historic yogis derived it to scale back physique temperature.
In Sheetali Pranayama, the tongue is rolled in a ‘U’ or ‘O’ form and extends out of the mouth. That is adopted by lengthy inhalation – the air is sucked in by way of rolled tongue and exhaled out by way of the nostrils. Salvia on the tongue moisturizes the air on its manner by way of the mouth and we really feel prompt coolness.
Inhaling by way of rolled tongue in Sheetali pranayama moisturizes the dry mouth which in flip relieves from unhealthy breath.
- In some yogic texts, Sheetali pranayama is described to have starvation and thirst management potential. It has a relaxing impact on the whole nervous system which provides the practitioner a way of management.
- It reduces the manufacturing of bile waste that causes heartburn.
- It has the flexibility to scale back blood strain in hypertensive sufferers. It has been present in a examine, Sheetali decrease excessive bp by way of a mix of stress discount and modification of the physiology of the autonomic nervous system.
7. Surya Bhedna Pranayama (Proper Nostril Respiratory)
In distinction to alternate nostril respiration, Surya Bhedna pranayam is a sort of uninostril yogic respiration during which inhalation and exhalation are restricted to the fitting nostril and left nostril respectively.
As the fitting nostril is claimed to be the gate of ‘The Solar’, Surya Bhedna pranayama will increase physique temperature and offers vitality to the yogi. It may be referred as ‘sizzling pranayama’ or ‘proper nostril respiration’.
- Inhaling by way of the fitting nostril will increase oxygen consumption and thereby the general metabolic standing of the yogi.
- Surya bhedana has proven a constructive impact on the left hemisphere of the mind. It enhances an individual’s logical and reasoning potential.
- Nevertheless, It’s proof from a differential examine, Surya Bhedna pranayama has sympathomimetic results – means it may elevate blood strain to alarming heights, significantly in hypertensive sufferers.
- The warmth produced by way of this pranayama follow burns up impurities and might help get rid of pathogens from the physique.
Surya Bhedana: do it Appropriately and Advantages
8. Chandra Bhedna Pranayama
On this pranayama sort, respiration is finished within the reverse method to Surya Bhedna pranayama i.e. Inhale – left nostril and exhale – proper nostril.
Chandra Bhedna pranayama is a cooling respiration method that prompts the parasympathetic nervous system. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system results in;
9. Sheetkari Pranayama (Hissing Breath)
Sheetkari is one other classical pranayama respiration which is cooling in nature. On this pranayama, throughout inhalation, a ‘seeehh’ like hissing sound is produced from mouth which provides its cooling motion. It’s additionally referred to as the hissing breath.
This pranayama is just carried out by closing the mouth and bringing the higher and decrease tooth collectively. Expose them by parting the lips. Then carry out Khechari mudra by folding the tongue to the touch the taste bud. Inhale by way of the uncovered tooth. Shut the mouth to carry your breath for 2 seconds after which exhale by way of nostrils.
Though sheetkari produces related results as sheetali pranayama, as well as, Sheetkari pranayama is very helpful in;
- Reducing blood strain and lowering signs of tension.
- Releasing emotional and psychological knots current within the physique.
- Inducing stress-free mind waves like delta and alpha band energy within the frontal and occipital areas.
10. Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath)
Amongst 8 classical pranayama varieties, Ujjayi is essentially the most satisfying deep respiration pranayama method. It’s mentioned, Ujjayi spontaneously happens in deep and intense focus, and therefore, primarily carried out throughout a meditation, Yoga Nidra and yoga mudra session.
Ujjayi pranayama is carried out by inhaling from the nostril, constricting the throat internally, and releasing the breath opening the mouth. The exhalation should produce an “HAA” sound as you open the mouth.
Many research have proven the therapeutic advantages of Ujjayi when integrated with Bandhas, Mantra Japa, and yoga poses;
- Incorporating Ujjayi pranayama in makarasana can launch rigidity from the decrease again and improve the provision of oxygen-rich blood right down to the backbone. It relieves from sciatica or spinal spondylitis.
- Ujjayi pranayama with brief and extended breath retention has confirmed positively impacts oxygen consumption, results in the next metabolic charge within the physique.
- In a randomized management trial examine, completely different physiological variables have been measured after working towards ujjayi pranayama. A big distinction is noticed within the resting coronary heart charge and resting pulse charge after 8 weeks of coaching of Ujjayi.
Carry out Ujjayi Pranayama
11. Plavini Pranayama
Plavini is a sophisticated sort of pranayama that calls for experience in breath-holding for a protracted interval.
In Plavini Pranayama, the air is gulped into the abdomen both by way of easy nostril respiration or by way of the mouth in kaki mudra. Then with none bodily motion or expelling the air out, the air is retained contained in the physique for 30 to 90 minutes.
- By stopping the air contained in the abdomen, the yogis don’t really feel hungry so plavini pranayama is a manner of pure fasting.
- It’s mentioned in conventional texts, working towards plavini makes the physique lighter sufficient so one can float simply on the water floor. It’s additionally referred to as ‘floating breath’.
12. Murcha Pranayama (Swooning Breath)
After Plavini, Murcha is one other conventional pranayama method that emphasizes breath retention.
In Murcha Pranayama, the air is inhaled by way of nostrils at fullest capability. Then utilizing Jalandhar Bandha (throat lock) breath is held and the air is retained inside for even longer than is comfy.
It offers a sense of fainting to the practitioner, nevertheless, in accordance with Hatha Yoga Pradipika – By means of this pranayama, the expertise of aware unconsciousness is supposed to come up.
- Murcha pranayama lowers the oxygen focus in blood reaching the mind, leads to fainting sensation. Ultimately, it clears practitioner’s connection to the exterior world, therefore helps in pratyahara (sense withdrawal).
- Additionally, it offers psychological readability and induces rest and inside consciousness.
13. Sama Vritti Pranayama (Field Respiratory)
Popularly often known as field respiration, Sama vritti is an easy pranayama method. It’s a gradual and deep pranayama sort that focuses on all 3 elements of respiration – inhale, exhale, and retention.
In Sama Vritti Pranayama, a practitioner has to make sure an equal interval of their breath together with inhale, holding the breath in, exhale, and holding the breath out.
- It permits the lung to work evenly and equally throughout inhalation, retention, and exhalation, in the end will increase lung capability.
- Sama vritti pranayama has a stress-busting impact as respiration evenly instantly impacts the autonomic nervous system.
- By lowering stress response, this pranayama additionally helps you to sleep nicely with full effectivity in little or no time.
Nevertheless, in superior yogis, a variation of Sama Vritti referred to as Visma Vritti pranayama or uneven breath is extra practiced.
14. Dirgha Pranayama (Three-Half Respiratory)
Dirgha pranayama is a full yogic respiration method during which inhalation and exhalation are executed in 3 elements.
- First, full filling of the decrease stomach
- Second, full filling of the thoracic area by the extension of facet ribs
- Lastly extension of higher chest space by lengthening of collarbone and shoulders
Like some other deep respiration, Dirgha pranayama relaxes the blood vessels and widen them, which reduces the hypertension. Its results on the physique come by its motion on stomach motion
- When stomach strikes with respiration, inner stomach organs additionally make the motion. It offers them inner therapeutic massage and enhances the digestive system perform.
- Dirgha pranayama results the oxygen focus in blood to the mind.
15. Udgeeth Pranayama (Chanting breath)
There are lots of widespread names of Udgeeth Pranayama like Omkari jap, Om chanting, Omkara chanting. Whereas performing this pranayama, Omkara sound connects you with silence inside you. On this silence, our mind will get vibrations to tune in a pure frequency.
Udgeeth pranayama lets you cope with anxiousness, guilt, concern, and disappointment. It cures acidity and issues associated to sleep (Insomnia) and unhealthy desires.
Conclusion
Whether or not you wish to scale back stress or hypertension, enhance focus or discover stillness in your non secular journey, there are differentf pranayama respiration methods one can select from.
Totally different pranayamas include quite a few advantages and selecting one completely will depend on once you’re doing it or what you’re anticipating.
For instance, after a vigorous yoga session, you need your physique to calm down and thoughts to relax. On this situation, pranayama like left nostril respiration or sitali which have cooling results will likely be helpful as an alternative of doing kapalbhati or proper nostril respiration.
