The Eight Types of Pranayama One Needs to Practice

Pranayama, or say the yogic science of breathing offers enormous benefit to the human
body and brain. It’s one of the most ancient disciplines practiced in India for attaining
peace and self-awareness. Famous Sage Patanjali has also mentioned in his Yoga Sutras
about the benefits of Pranayama and how it should be practiced. Researchers and experts
of modern science have supported the theories mentioned. Pranayama is capable of
treating asthma, stress-related disorder like anxiety and depression by channelizing the
energy to the 72 nadis in our body, helping us improve our well-being.

Types of Pranayama

Many of us are unaware of eight major disciplines of Pranayama that helps in regulating
and controlling the breath. Let us help you know –

Nadi Sodhana

This yoga pranayama is innovative and specialized in bringing balances all the three doshas
of the human body - the mind, body, and soul. For performing Nadi Sodhna, you need to sit
in a comfortable in a cross-legged position. Now use the right hand to close the right side of
your nose, inhale deeply with the left nostril. Repeat the same with left nostril. Practice it
for 10 -15 times every day.
Shitali Pranayama – This is the most refreshing breathing exercise. You need to roll your
tongue in an “O” shape and start to inhale through the mouth. Hold your breath and
practice Jalandhar bandh. Do exhalation from your nostrils after some time. You can repeat
it five to ten times. Shitali Pranayama mitigates pitta and increases Kapha and Vata doshas.

Ujjayi Pranayama – This type of pranayama is about mimicking the sound the ocean or
waves by inhaling from your nostrils and making sound from the throat. Seat in a
comfortable position, start inhaling, and exhaling from your mouth. Constrict your throat as
if something is chocking, it will create an oceanic sound. Repeat it for ten to fifteen times;
you will experience betterment in throat related issues.

Kapalabhati Pranayama – This type of pranayama is wholly related to deep inhalation

and forceful exhalation of air in a yogic position. Air from the lungs is exhaled forcefully,
but inhalation is done involuntarily. Kapalbhati Pranayama is liked for improving alertness
and concentration. It also strengthens abdominal muscles and helps to burn calories.

Bhastrika Pranayama - This pranayama is best for increasing the blood circulation in the
body. It also activates body channels. For practicing Bhastrika Pranayama, you need to sit
in a Padmasana position, keeping your spine straight and eyes close. Inhale deeply with
nostrils; fill your lungs with air and then exhale forcefully through nostrils so that your
stomach will go deep inside. Bhastrika Pranayama helps a lot in calming your mind. Any
asthma patient can practice it to remove inflammation of the throat.

Bhramari Pranayama – This is the humming bee pranayama that mimics the sound of a
bee. Bhramari Pranayama is done by closing your ears with the thumb and eyes with the
help of fingers. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly making a buzzing sound like that of a
bee. Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama are an increase in concentration and memory
improvement.

Anuloma & Viloma Pranayama – This is alternate breathing exercise. It involves pausing
of breathing at regular intervals. It is divided into two stages called as paused inhalation
and paused exhalation. You need to lie down in a comfortable position and relax your body
and mind. Now inhale for 2 to 3 seconds and pause, then again restart inhalation and pause
after 2 seconds. Repeat the process until the lungs feel full of air. Exhale slowly. It is known
as Viloma pranayama. Whereas, Anuloma pranayama is breathing nostrils in an alternative
way. Both are almost same and help in cleansing of nasal passages.

Sheetkari Pranayama – This is more like the Shitali Pranayama but with changes in
practice. In this pranayama, you have to produce “Sheetkar” sound from the mouth. Inhale
air by keeping your tongue behind the teeth. Apply the Jalandhar bandh and hold your
breath. Exhale air using the nostrils. This pranayama should be practiced in summer for
five to ten times. It will keep your body temperature under control.
Where Can You Learn Pranayama in Best Style?

Pranayama and its eight different forms should be practiced under the guidance of yoga
gurus, having years of experience and exposure in the same field. Rishikesh Vinyasa Yoga
School is one of the most exceptional yoga teachers training in India. If you could not find a
yoga program that provides you full flexibility, comfort, and facilities while then join this
yoga school. The institute leaves no stone unturned to give you a life-changing experience
at the yoga capital of the world. Follow us on Facebook page, see how we have transformed
the lives of many in India and worldwide.