Advanced Yoga Breathing techniques

Ujjayi Breath

• This is the breath used throughout Ashtanga practice. It is throat breathing: a narrowing of the throat’s air passages to create a resonance of noise from the breath in the upper sinus of the pallet. This breath is best taught by your teacher. The inhalation and exhalation are through the nose and make the same sound.

Nadi sodhana

• Alternative nostril breathing is a deeper more focussed breath. We use specific hand positions to regulate the breath, and the idea is to inhale through one nostril and exhale through the other. But there are many patterns, including variation on length of breath, retention and choice of nostril, all of which have a specific effect on the mind/body.

Bhastrika

• In Bastrika breathing we use the diaphragm of the abdomen to create a bellows effect. This breath is used for many purposes including cleansing of sinus, lungs and airways. It is also used in the development of prayer to lighten and open the mind for gratitude exercises (see below). Be mindful that excessive strain on the breath may cause dizziness. Always finish the practice with slow, steady and deep breaths.