We do not pay much attention to the process of breathing just because it occurs naturally. But, do you know that a little awareness about each breath we take can open the secret doors to good health? The power of breathing significantly affects our body and mind which often gets ignored. With each inhalation, the oxygen we intake, our body sparks a healthy transformation by relieving stress, increasing alertness, lessening the effects of hangovers and other numerous benefits. With each exhalation, we get rid of carbon dioxide and other toxins in the human body. Breathing also affects the state of mind. The powerful force makes us feel relaxed and calm.

Have you ever wondered who is your dearest companion? If you are unsure about it then let us tell you that breath is our most beloved companion. Yes, it never loses sight of what we are experiencing and the heaps of emotions we go through in a single day. Doesn’t your breath race up when you are raging with anger, while it remains mellow when you are calm and happy? This signifies that breath is not only related to the body but is closely linked to the mind as well.

The daily tussle of life leave us with feelings of sorrow, heartbreak, and endless pain. All we desire is a peaceful state of mind. Yoga Breathing, i.e., Pranayama can help you achieve this. The natural therapy of yogic breathing is an effective cure for depression. It relieves signs of oxidative stress, leads to development of steady mind and sound judgment. Those who wish to learn in-depth about the concept of pranayama they should consider internationally certified yoga teacher training in India.

Breathing exercises are an essential part of any yoga practice. Diverse breath movements are used in the practice of various yoga asanas. Different breathing techniques confer wide variety of benefits to the mind, body, and soul. Some help you relax, while others give you more strength. Learn to regulate and enhance the life force with Yoga Pranayama.

Practice these five beautiful Pranayama or yoga breathing exercises for a zealous life:

1 Ujjayi Breathing:

The practice is integral to several Ashtanga and Vinyasa classes. It is also known as ‘ocean breath’. You breathe in and out through the nose. With each exhalation, try to make an ‘h’ sound with sealed lips. It is only one of the pranayama techniques practiced simultaneously with the yoga postures.

2 Dirga Breathing:

It is popularly known as three-part-breath. Practice Dirga breathing for a calm soul, increase in oxygen supply, enhanced focus in the present moment and many more glorious benefits. To perform this breath, inhale through the nose filling your belly first. Then, fill your chest and lastly your lower back. When you exhale, start from the lower neck, then chest and finally out of the belly.

3 Sitali Breathing:

Practice sitali breathing for cooling effect on the entire body. To start the sitali practice, curl up the tongue in a tube-like form and, breathe in through the mouth (while keeping the tongue curled up). Close your mouth and hold for 5-10 breaths. Exhale through the nose.

4 Bhramari Breathing:

It derives its name from black Indian bee . It is effective in freeing the mind from agitation and frustration to a great extent. Begin by placing the index fingers on the cartilage between the cheeks and ears (or, otherwise known as temples). Inhale through your nose. Upon exhalation, make a humming sound as that of a bee. Keep the cartilage pressed throughout the exercise.

5 Kapalbhati Breathing:

It is also known as ‘skull-shining breath’. Short and forceful exhalations are the main focus of this breathing technique. Start the practice with a deep inhalation and forceful exhalation. Make sure to draw out all the air from the belly. After the next deep breath intakes, exhale forcefully through the nose for 15-30 times and, actively draw your belly in with each energetic exhalation.

6 Nadhi Sodhana Breathing:

The other name of nadhi sodhana breathing is alternate nostril pranayama. The ideal way to perform this exercise is in a seated, cross-legged position. Close the right nostril with a thumb. Take deep breaths through the left nostril and, hold for few seconds. Use the thumb to close the left side of the nose and breathe out through right nostril.

Catch a subtle glimpse into the different types of breathing exercises and their benefits with yoga and meditation retreats in India for ultimate purification of the mind and body.

To know about Yoga Breathing in further detail, explore our Yoga Teacher Training In India.