Pranayama (Breathing Techniques) Glossary

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

I. What is Bhujangini Mudra (Cobra Breath)? Bhujangini Mudra, also known as Cobra Breath, is a powerful yogic breathing technique that helps to awaken the Kundalini energy within the body. The word “Bhujangini” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Bhujanga,” which means cobra. This mudra is named after the cobra because it mimics the movement … Read more

I. What is Surabhi Mudra Pranayama (Cow’s Breath)? Surabhi Mudra Pranayama, also known as Cow’s Breath, is a breathing technique that is part of the ancient practice of yoga. The word “mudra” in Sanskrit means “seal” or “gesture,” and in this context, it refers to a specific hand position that is used during the practice … Read more

I. What is Muladhara Chakra Pranayama? Muladhara Chakra Pranayama is a breathing technique that focuses on activating and balancing the Muladhara Chakra, also known as the root chakra. The Muladhara Chakra is located at the base of the spine and is associated with feelings of safety, security, and stability. By practicing Muladhara Chakra Pranayama, one … Read more

I. What is Prithvi Mudra Pranayama? Prithvi Mudra Pranayama is a yoga practice that involves the use of a specific hand gesture, known as a mudra, to help balance the earth element within the body. In Sanskrit, “Prithvi” means earth, and “mudra” means gesture or seal. This mudra is believed to help ground and stabilize … Read more

I. What is Pancha Bhuta Pranayama? Pancha Bhuta Pranayama is a breathing technique that focuses on the five elements or “Pancha Bhutas” – earth, water, fire, air, and space. This ancient practice comes from the Indian yogic tradition and is believed to help balance the body and mind by harmonizing these elements within us. By … Read more