Pranayam
Breathing like an Urban Yogee
You'd think we all know how to breathe, considering thats the first thing we do when we arrive in this world.....but it's surprising how many of us don't do it right!
Pooraka - Inhalation
Rechaka - Exhalation
Kumbhaka - Ceasing to breathe / Pausing of breath
- Antara Kumbhaka - Pause while holding inhaled breath
- Bahya Kumbhaka - Pasue while holding exhaled breath
All pranayam practices stimulate the vagus nerve. The resultant increase in vagal tone that occurs through sustained and consistent practise is how pranayama improves the functioning of all the vital organs it is connected to.
Surya Bhedna Anuloma breathing
Activates the Pingala nadi and creates energy.
Chandra Bhedna Viloma breathing
Activates the Ida nadi and creates calmness.
Anulom Vilom
Alternate nostril breathing without pauses. Balances tridoshas.
Nadi Shodhan
Alternate nostril breathing with pauses. A Shuddhi Kriya (cleansing technique).
Sukha Kriya
Isha Yoga's variation of alternate breathing that calms anxiety and raises spirits.
Dirga
Three break breathing.
Ujjayi
Generates body heat.
Sheetali
Cools down the body.
Sheetkari
Cools down the body.
Bhramri buzzing bee
Buzzing bee breathing.
Kapal Bhati
A Shuddi Kriya (cleansing technique) for the upper respiratory passages - a must for those of us breathing polluted city air. Increases Vata and Pitta, decreases Kapha.
Bhastrika bellows breath
Clears the lower sections of the lungs and promotes deeper breathing. Increases kapha.
Agnisara
Powerful pranayama for balancing your digestive fire - activates, increases, decreases or nornmalises, as the case maybe. Preparatory for Nauli Shatkarma.
Anuloma
Viloma
Pratiloma
Murchha
Plavini
Savitri
BANDHAS
Jivh Bandha
Jalandar Bandha
Uddiyaan Bandha
Mool Bandha
MUDRAS
Gyan Mudra
Chin Mudra
Pranav Mudra
Khechari Mudra
Maha Mudra