Pranayama (Breathing Techniques) Glossary

I. What is Vyana Pranayama? Vyana Pranayama is a breathing technique that is part of the ancient practice of yoga. In Sanskrit, “Vyana” means “expansion” or “circulation,” and “pranayama” refers to breath control. This particular pranayama technique focuses on expanding the breath throughout the entire body, promoting circulation and energy flow. During Vyana Pranayama, the … Read more

I. What is Surya Bhedana Kumbhaka? Surya Bhedana Kumbhaka is a pranayama technique that involves breathing in through the right nostril and holding the breath for a certain period of time before exhaling through the left nostril. This practice is said to activate the Pingala Nadi, which is associated with the sun energy in the … Read more

I. What is Samana Pranayama (Balancing Energy Breath)? Samana Pranayama is a breathing technique that focuses on balancing the energy within the body. In Sanskrit, “Samana” means equalizing or balancing, and “Pranayama” refers to breath control. This practice involves regulating the breath to create harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. By practicing Samana Pranayama, … Read more

I. What is Sitkari Pranayama? Sitkari Pranayama is a breathing technique in the practice of yoga that involves inhaling through the mouth with the teeth clenched and exhaling through the nose. This pranayama technique is known for its cooling and calming effects on the mind and body. The word “Sitkari” is derived from the Sanskrit … Read more

I. What is Langhana Pranayama? Langhana Pranayama is a type of breathing exercise in yoga that focuses on reducing and eliminating excess energy or toxins from the body. The word “Langhana” in Sanskrit means “to reduce” or “to diminish,” and Pranayama refers to the practice of controlling the breath. By practicing Langhana Pranayama, one can … Read more

I. What is Vishama Vritti Pranayama? Vishama Vritti Pranayama is a breathing technique that involves irregular or uneven breathing patterns. In Sanskrit, “vishama” means irregular or uneven, and “vritti” refers to the fluctuations of the mind. This pranayama technique focuses on controlling the breath in a way that mimics the natural fluctuations of the mind. … Read more

I. What is Vritti Pranayama (Fluctuation Breathing)? Vritti Pranayama, also known as Fluctuation Breathing, is a breathing technique used in the practice of yoga and meditation. The word “vritti” in Sanskrit means fluctuations or modifications of the mind. Pranayama, on the other hand, refers to the control and regulation of the breath. Vritti Pranayama focuses … Read more

I. What is Kapalabhati Pranayama? Kapalabhati Pranayama is a breathing technique that is part of the ancient practice of yoga. It is a type of pranayama, which translates to “breath control” in Sanskrit. Kapalabhati specifically focuses on the exhalation of breath, with the inhalation happening naturally as a result. The word “Kapalabhati” itself means “skull … Read more

I. What is Nabho Mudra Pranayama? Nabho Mudra Pranayama is a breathing technique that falls under the category of pranayama, which is the practice of controlling the breath to improve physical and mental well-being. In Sanskrit, “nabho” means sky or space, and “mudra” means gesture or seal. Therefore, Nabho Mudra Pranayama can be translated as … Read more

I. What is Chandra Bhedana Pranayama? Chandra Bhedana Pranayama is a breathing technique in yoga that involves breathing through the left nostril while blocking the right nostril. This pranayama is also known as the “moon-piercing breath” as it is believed to have a cooling and calming effect on the body and mind. In Sanskrit, “Chandra” … Read more