There are a variety of various respiratory methods in yoga that may ease stress, and make you’re feeling much less anxious and calm.
We use the time period ‘Pranayama’ for a group of yogic respiratory workout routines. Nonetheless, one should know respiratory workout routines are completely different from Pranayama respiratory methods.
Mechanically a Pranayama apply could look just like a easy respiratory train however really, in pranayama, we don’t simply concentrate on the motion of air out and in of the lungs, as we do in a respiratory train.
Pranayama apply focuses on consciously increasing the breath by way of varied technique of methods, which decelerate the entire respiratory 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 respiratory methods and advantages. If you’re interested by realizing 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 response to Hatha Yoga Pradipika (an historical textual content of yoga), there are 8 variety of pranayama combinedly referred to as ‘8 Kumbhakas’, and generally known as ‘Eight classical pranayamas’. All of the pranayamas that we do in yoga are one way or the other modified variations of those 8 classical pranayamas.
Kevala Kumbhaka and Sahita Pranayama
Within the yogic philosophy of pranayama, the respiratory course of is split into three elements; Inhalation (Puraka) — Retention Holding (Kumbhaka) — Exhalation (Rechaka). A very powerful facet of pranayama is kumbhaka (i.e. breath retention). Nonetheless, we concentrate on Inhalation & exhalation in numerous pranayama sorts, however it’s ‘breath retention (kumbhaka)’ {that a} yogi goals to develop by way of a pranayama apply. This is the reason completely different pranayama sorts are additionally referred to as ‘Kumbhakas’ in Sanskrit.
When pranayama is finished with acutely 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 apply, when kumbhaka begins occurring with none acutely aware effort or an obvious affiliation with both inhalation or exhalation, it’s referred to as Kevala Kumbhaka. It’s the very 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 eventually Samadhi.
Varieties of Pranayama Respiratory Strategies and Advantages
Grasp yoga gurus recommend that the greatest time to apply pranayama and yoga, generally, is Brahmamuhurta – early within the morning and on an empty abdomen. Ideally, pranayama needs to be practised in an open house with good air high quality.
It’s suggested to apply pranayama in seated snug postures solely. Initially one can start by merely watching their pure breath after which strive completely different methods. It’s additionally really helpful to mix completely different varieties of mudras with pranayama respiratory to deepen its results.
Every sort of pranayama can arouse explicit areas of the mind and impacts the physique otherwise. You may give every a strive. Listed below are 15 varieties of pranayama respiratory methods.
- Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate nostril respiratory)
- Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows respiratory)
- Kapalbhati Pranayama (Cranium shining breath)
- Bhramari Pranayama (Bee respiratory)
- Anulom Vilom Pranayama
- Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling breath)
- Surya Bhedna Pranayama (Proper nostril respiratory)
- Chandra Bhedna Pranayama (Left nostril respiratory)
- Sheetkari Pranayama (Hissing breath)
- Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious breath)
- Plavini Pranayama (Floating breath)
- Murcha Pranayama (Swooning breath)
- Sama Vritti Pranayama (Equal/sq. respiratory)
- Dirgha Pranayama (Three-Half respiratory)
- 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 generally known as a type of alternate nostril respiratory, it’s a gradual and deep yoga respiratory train.
On this pranayama, we shut our nostrils alternatively in a method that balances the left and proper mind hemispheres.
To evaluate the results of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama on coronary coronary heart illness sufferers, an experimental research was carried out in 2019. In people who bear Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgical procedure, it’s discovered on this research on practising Nadi shodhan pranayama;
- A major discount in each state and trait anxiousness has proven after 6 weeks
- Put up-operative ache and struggling of sufferers have lowered
- A major discount in despair, stress, anxiousness, and peak expiratory stream fee has been measured within the pre and post-surgery
One other experimental research reveals the quick results of Nadi Shodhan on wholesome people’ coronary heart fee, blood strain, and problem-solving skill. It’s discovered on this research;
- Nadi shodhan refreshes air all through the lungs and alters autonomic exercise. It considerably declines the center fee and systolic blood strain.
- Peak expiratory stream fee improved which reveals a wholesome lung situation.
- As a consequence of higher adaptability for psychological stress-induced after practising nadi shodhan participant’s mathematical problem-solving time lowered considerably.
2. Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath)
In distinction to gradual and deep respiratory, bhastrika pranayama is available in quick and brief respiratory sort pranayama. Bhastrika actually means “bellows breath”
On this pranayama, exaggerated and forceful respiratory is carried out partaking the diaphragm and belly muscle tissue.
Fast growth and contraction of belly muscle tissue 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 research, bhastrika pranayama impact on lung perform is examined amongst 30 wholesome people and it has discovered;
- A major increment is noticed within the Pressured important capability, compelled expiratory quantity within the first second, Peak expiratory stream fee, and most voluntary air flow.
- The elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall elevated thereby strengthening the respiratory muscle tissue.
In 2009, one other scientific research on the results of bhastrika on coronary heart fee 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 fee. The comparative research 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 fee.
- The parasympathetic nervous system can be stimulated which purchased a way of calmness and reduces stress.
3. Kapalbhati Pranayama
Kapalbhati is a sort of pranayama that may be categorized below quick, asymmetrical, and diaphragmatic respiratory. In kapalbhati Pranayama, forceful exhalation is attributed to the whole detox of the physique by cleaning the Kapal (cranium).
Apart from pranayama, kapalbhati is likely 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 previously have evaluated advantages of Kapalbhati on the physique and thoughts.
- Kapabhati is like heat up workout routines for respiratory muscle tissue to improve 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 fee of the physique. Sooner metabolism results in elevated calorie consumption and additional, helps in weight reduction.
- It has been proven in a research, only one month of kapalbhati has decreased the blood sugar stage in diabetic people.
- The pelvic flooring muscle tissue are strengthened after practising kalpalbhati for 4 weeks and proved to be efficient in decreasing menopausal issues.
Kapalbhati Pranayama Advantages and How you can Carry out Appropriately
4. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)
Bhramari pranayama is essentially the most enjoyable respiratory approach anybody can do simply to do away with 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 targeted on the vibratory sound of a buzzing bee in extended exhalation.
While you apply it lengthy sufficient, little impulses of soothing buzzing sound proceed vibrating in your head. It retains stress and anxiousness away from you.
5. Anulom Vilom Pranayama
Anulom Vilom pranayama is a sort of alternate nostril respiratory carried out with the correct hand in Vishnu Mudra.
To carry out Anulom Vilom, shut the correct nostril with the correct thumb inhale from the left nostril. Then shut the left nostril with the ring and little finger, exhale from the correct nostril. Repeat on this method alternatively.
To some extent, anulom vilom comparable pranayama to Nadi Shodhan pranayama.
Though there’s a fairly distinction between each; Anulom vilom is a balancing sort of pranayama that maintains the stream 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 research, 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 stream sort yoga poses.
6. Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath)
Sheetali pranayama is a cooling respiratory approach. Historical 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 method by way of the mouth and we really feel on the spot 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 skill. It has a relaxing impact on the complete 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 research, 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 respiratory, Surya Bhedna pranayam is a sort of uninostril yogic respiratory through which inhalation and exhalation are restricted to the correct nostril and left nostril respectively.
As the correct nostril is alleged to be the gate of ‘The Solar’, Surya Bhedna pranayama will increase physique temperature and provides vitality to the yogi. It may be referred as ‘scorching pranayama’ or ‘proper nostril respiratory’.
- Inhaling by way of the correct nostril will increase oxygen consumption and thereby the general metabolic standing of the yogi.
- Surya bhedana has proven a optimistic impact on the left hemisphere of the mind. It enhances an individual’s logical and reasoning skill.
- Nonetheless, It’s proof from a differential research, Surya Bhedna pranayama has sympathomimetic results – means it could possibly elevate blood strain to alarming heights, notably in hypertensive sufferers.
- The warmth produced by way of this pranayama apply burns up impurities and might help eradicate pathogens from the physique.
Surya Bhedana: How you can do it Appropriately and Advantages
8. Chandra Bhedna Pranayama
On this pranayama sort, respiratory 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 respiratory approach 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 respiratory 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 comparable results as sheetali pranayama, as well as, Sheetkari pranayama is particularly useful in;
- Reducing blood strain and decreasing signs of tension.
- Releasing emotional and psychological knots current within the physique.
- Inducing enjoyable mind waves like delta and alpha band energy within the frontal and occipital areas.
10. Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath)
Amongst 8 classical pranayama sorts, Ujjayi is essentially the most satisfying deep respiratory pranayama approach. It’s stated, 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 included with Bandhas, Mantra Japa, and yoga poses;
- Incorporating Ujjayi pranayama in makarasana can launch pressure from the decrease again and improve the provision of oxygen-rich blood all the way 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 fee within the physique.
- In a randomized management trial research, completely different physiological variables had been measured after practising ujjayi pranayama. A major distinction is noticed within the resting coronary heart fee and resting pulse fee after 8 weeks of coaching of Ujjayi.
11. Plavini Pranayama
Plavini is a complicated 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 respiratory 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 method of pure fasting.
- It’s stated in conventional texts, practising 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 approach 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 snug.
It provides a sense of fainting to the practitioner, nevertheless, in response to Hatha Yoga Pradipika – By means of this pranayama, the expertise of acutely aware unconsciousness is supposed to come up.
- Murcha pranayama lowers the oxygen focus in blood reaching the mind, ends in fainting sensation. Ultimately, it clears practitioner’s connection to the exterior world, therefore helps in pratyahara (sense withdrawal).
- Additionally, it provides psychological readability and induces leisure and interior consciousness.
13. Sama Vritti Pranayama (Field Respiratory)
Popularly generally known as field respiratory, Sama vritti is a very simple pranayama approach. It’s a gradual and deep pranayama sort that focuses on all 3 elements of respiratory – 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 respiratory evenly straight impacts the autonomic nervous system.
- By decreasing stress response, this pranayama additionally allows you to sleep nicely with full effectivity in little or no time.
Nonetheless, 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 respiratory approach through 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 every other deep respiratory, 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 respiratory, inside belly organs additionally make the motion. It provides them inside 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 a lot of frequent 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 take care of anxiousness, guilt, worry, and disappointment. It cures acidity and issues associated to sleep (Insomnia) and unhealthy desires.
Conclusion
Whether or not you need to cut back stress or hypertension, enhance focus or discover stillness in your religious journey, there are differentf pranayama respiratory methods one can select from.
Totally different pranayamas include quite a few advantages and selecting one completely is dependent upon while 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 respiratory or sitali which have cooling results will likely be useful as a substitute of doing kapalbhati or proper nostril respiratory.
