15 Kinds of Pranayama Respiratory Methods and Advantages [Explained]

There are a selection of various respiratory methods in yoga that may ease stress, and make you are feeling much less anxious and calm.

We use the time period ‘Pranayama’ for a set of yogic respiratory workouts. Nonetheless, one should know respiratory workouts are totally different from Pranayama respiratory methods.

Mechanically a Pranayama observe might look much like a easy respiratory train however truly, in pranayama, we don’t simply deal with the motion of air out and in of the lungs, as we do in a respiratory train.

Pranayama observe focuses on consciously increasing the breath by way of varied technique of methods, which decelerate the entire respiratory cycle to a state of stillness, leading to a meditative state of calm.

On this article, you’ll perceive the classification of pranayama and based mostly on that, you’ll know 15 various kinds of pranayama respiratory methods and advantages. In case you are occupied with figuring out about pranayama in nice depth, I might recommend studying this newbie’s information to Pranayama and the 12 science-backed advantages of pranayama.

Initially, The Eight Classical Pranayama

Based on Hatha Yoga Pradipika (an historic textual content of yoga), there are 8 variety of pranayama combinedly known as ‘8 Kumbhakas’, and referred to as ‘Eight classical pranayamas’. All of the pranayamas that we do in yoga are in some way modified variations of those 8 classical pranayamas.

Kevala Kumbhaka and Sahita Pranayama

Within the yogic philosophy of pranayama, the respiratory course of is split into three components; Inhalation (Puraka) — Retention Holding (Kumbhaka) — Exhalation (Rechaka). A very powerful facet of pranayama is kumbhaka (i.e. breath retention). Nonetheless, we deal with Inhalation & exhalation in numerous pranayama sorts, however it’s ‘breath retention (kumbhaka)’ {that a} yogi goals to develop by way of a pranayama observe. This is the reason totally different pranayama sorts are additionally known as ‘Kumbhakas’ in Sanskrit.

When pranayama is completed with acutely aware effort and never spontaneously, means after we attempt to domesticate consciousness to look at our breath, it’s known as Sahita Pranayama. Sahita means linked; breath retention (kumbhaka) is linked with inhalation and exhalation. The 8 classical pranayamas talked about above are literally the practices of Sahita pranayama solely.

With lengthy constant observe, when kumbhaka begins occurring with none acutely aware effort or an obvious affiliation with both inhalation or exhalation, it’s known as Kevala Kumbhaka. It’s the best stage of pranayama the place a yogi with out effort spontaneously holds their breath at will. This pranayama results in the opening of Sushumna Nadi, kundalini awakening and eventually Samadhi.

Kinds of Pranayama Respiratory Methods and Advantages

Grasp yoga gurus recommend that the finest time to observe pranayama and yoga, normally, is Brahmamuhurta – early within the morning and on an empty abdomen. Ideally, pranayama needs to be practised in an open area with good air high quality.

It’s suggested to observe pranayama in seated comfy postures solely. Initially one can start by merely watching their pure breath after which strive totally different methods. It’s additionally really useful to mix totally different kinds of mudras with pranayama respiratory to deepen its results.

Every kind of pranayama can arouse explicit areas of the mind and impacts the physique otherwise. You may give every a strive. Listed below are 15 kinds of pranayama respiratory methods.

1. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate nostril respiratory)
2. Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows respiratory)
3. Kapalbhati Pranayama (Cranium shining breath)
4. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee respiratory)
5. Anulom Vilom Pranayama
6. Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling breath)
7. Surya Bhedna Pranayama (Proper nostril respiratory)
8. Chandra Bhedna Pranayama (Left nostril respiratory)
9. Sheetkari Pranayama (Hissing breath)
10. Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious breath)
11. Plavini Pranayama (Floating breath)
12. Murcha Pranayama (Swooning breath)
13. Sama Vritti Pranayama (Equal/sq. respiratory)
14. Dirgha Pranayama (Three-Half respiratory)
15. Udgeeth Pranayama (Chanting breath)

1. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Respiratory)

That is the primary kind of pranayama and is most practised due to its soothing results on the mind. Popularly referred to as a type of alternate nostril respiratory, it’s a gradual and deep yoga respiratory train.

On this pranayama, we shut our nostrils alternatively in a manner that balances the left and proper mind hemispheres.

To evaluate the results of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama on coronary coronary heart illness sufferers, an experimental examine was carried out in 2019. In people who bear Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgical procedure, it’s discovered on this examine on practising Nadi shodhan pranayama;

• A major discount in each state and trait nervousness has proven after 6 weeks
• Publish-operative ache and struggling of sufferers have decreased
• A major discount in despair, stress, nervousness, and peak expiratory stream fee has been measured within the pre and post-surgery

One other experimental examine reveals the instant results of Nadi Shodhan on wholesome people’ coronary heart fee, blood stress, and problem-solving means. It’s discovered on this examine;

• Nadi shodhan refreshes air all through the lungs and alters autonomic exercise. It considerably declines the center fee and systolic blood stress.
• Peak expiratory stream fee improved which reveals a wholesome lung situation.
• On account of higher adaptability for psychological stress-induced after working towards nadi shodhan participant’s mathematical problem-solving time decreased considerably.

Nadi Shodhan Pranayama steps and advantages

2. Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath)

In distinction to gradual and deep respiratory, bhastrika pranayama is available in quick and brief respiratory kind pranayama. Bhastrika actually means “bellows breath”

On this pranayama, exaggerated and forceful respiratory is carried out partaking the diaphragm and stomach muscle tissues.

Fast growth and contraction of stomach muscle tissues create a bellows motion to ignite the physique’s warmth, therefore often known as breath of fireplace.

Bhatrika pranayama could be very efficient in revitalizing the working of the lungs. In a 2019 examine, bhastrika pranayama impact on lung operate is examined amongst 30 wholesome people and it has discovered;

• A major increment is noticed within the Compelled very important capability, compelled expiratory quantity within the first second, Peak expiratory stream fee, and most voluntary air flow.
• The elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall elevated thereby strengthening the respiratory muscle tissues.

In 2009, one other scientific examine on the results of bhastrika on coronary heart fee and blood stress performed. This time gradual tempo bhastrika pranayama is carried out for five minutes adopted by the measurement of blood stress and coronary heart fee. The comparative examine between the readings of given parameters earlier than and after bhastrika concluded that:

• There’s a important discount in systolic and diastolic blood stress.
• A slight decrement within the coronary heart fee.
• The parasympathetic nervous system can be stimulated which purchased a way of calmness and reduces stress.

Methods to Observe Bhastrika Pranayama & Its Advantages

3. Kapalbhati Pranayama

Kapalbhati is a kind of pranayama that may be categorized beneath quick, asymmetrical, and diaphragmatic respiratory. In kapalbhati Pranayama, forceful exhalation is attributed to the whole detox of the physique by cleaning the Kapal (cranium).

Moreover pranayama, kapalbhati is likely one of the purification methods of shatkarma.

Forceful exhalation in kapalbhati decompresses the cerebrospinal fluid within the mind. It massages the mind cells and you are feeling lighter after performing it.

Many research achieved prior to now have evaluated advantages of Kapalbhati on the physique and thoughts.

• Kapabhati is like heat up workouts for respiratory muscle tissues to enhance lung capability.
• It additionally will increase the circulation of oxygen-rich blood within the physique which in flip will increase melanin proportion to glow pores and skin.
• Kapalbhati will increase the metabolic fee of the physique. Sooner metabolism results in elevated calorie consumption and additional, helps in weight reduction.
• It has been proven in a examine, only one month of kapalbhati has decreased the blood sugar degree in diabetic people.
• The pelvic flooring muscle tissues are strengthened after practising kalpalbhati for 4 weeks and proved to be efficient in lowering menopausal problems.

Kapalbhati Pranayama Advantages and Methods to Carry out Accurately

4. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)

Bhramari pranayama is essentially the most enjoyable respiratory method anybody can do simply to do away with stress and nervousness immediately. Bhramari means buzzing bee.

In Bhramari pranayama, as you exhale, the ear canal is closed with index fingers and a buzzing sound is produced from the again of the throat. The thoughts is concentrated on the vibratory sound of a buzzing bee in extended exhalation.

Once you observe it lengthy sufficient, little impulses of soothing buzzing sound proceed vibrating in your head. It retains stress and nervousness away from you.

Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath) steps and advantages

5. Anulom Vilom Pranayama

Anulom Vilom pranayama is a kind of alternate nostril respiratory carried out with the suitable hand in Vishnu Mudra.

To carry out Anulom Vilom, shut the suitable nostril with the suitable thumb inhale from the left nostril. Then shut the left nostril with the ring and little finger, exhale from the suitable nostril. Repeat on this method alternatively.

To some extent, anulom vilom related pranayama to Nadi Shodhan pranayama.

Though there’s a fairly distinction between each; Anulom vilom is a balancing kind of pranayama that maintains the stream of Prana in Ida and Pingala Nadi equally. Whereas Nadi shodhana is a cleaning pranayama kind that serves the aim of Nadis purification.

Some scientific research have confirmed advantages of anulom vilom;

• In a examine, It has proven anulom vilom considerably improves the lung operate of swimmers. It will increase lung capability and interval of breath retention.
• Anulom Vilom Pranayama for half-hour a day (for 40 days) can resolve sinus irritation (rhinosinusitis), an RCT concluded.
• It additionally impacts the cognitive capabilities of the mind together with studying, pondering, reasoning, remembering, and problem-solving expertise compared to Vinyasa stream kind yoga poses.

6. Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath)

Sheetali pranayama is a cooling respiratory method. Historical yogis derived it to scale back physique temperature.

In Sheetali Pranayama, the tongue is rolled in a ‘U’ or ‘O’ form and extends out of the mouth. That is adopted by lengthy inhalation – the air is sucked in by way of rolled tongue and exhaled out by way of the nostrils. Salvia on the tongue moisturizes the air on its manner by way of the mouth and we really feel on the spot coolness.

Inhaling by way of rolled tongue in Sheetali pranayama moisturizes the dry mouth which in flip relieves from unhealthy breath.

• In some yogic texts, Sheetali pranayama is described to have starvation and thirst management means. It has a chilled impact on the complete nervous system which provides the practitioner a way of management.
• It reduces the manufacturing of bile waste that causes heartburn.
• It has the flexibility to scale back blood stress in hypertensive sufferers. It has been present in a examine, Sheetali decrease excessive bp by way of a mix of stress discount and modification of the physiology of the autonomic nervous system.

7. Surya Bhedna Pranayama (Proper Nostril Respiratory)

In distinction to alternate nostril respiratory, Surya Bhedna pranayam is a kind of uninostril yogic respiratory by which inhalation and exhalation are restricted to the suitable nostril and left nostril respectively.

As the suitable nostril is claimed to be the gate of ‘The Solar’, Surya Bhedna pranayama will increase physique temperature and provides vitality to the yogi. It may be referred as ‘sizzling pranayama’ or ‘proper nostril respiratory’.

• Inhaling by way of the suitable nostril will increase oxygen consumption and thereby the general metabolic standing of the yogi.
• Surya bhedana has proven a constructive impact on the left hemisphere of the mind. It enhances an individual’s logical and reasoning means.
• Nonetheless, It’s proof from a differential examine, Surya Bhedna pranayama has sympathomimetic results – means it might probably increase blood stress to alarming heights, notably in hypertensive sufferers.
• The warmth produced by way of this pranayama observe burns up impurities and might help get rid of pathogens from the physique.

Surya Bhedana: Methods to do it Accurately and Advantages

8. Chandra Bhedna Pranayama

On this pranayama kind, respiratory is completed within the reverse method to Surya Bhedna pranayama i.e. Inhale – left nostril and exhale – proper nostril.

Chandra Bhedna pranayama is a cooling respiratory method that prompts the parasympathetic nervous system. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system results in;

9. Sheetkari Pranayama (Hissing Breath)

Sheetkari is one other classical pranayama respiratory which is cooling in nature. On this pranayama, throughout inhalation, a ‘seeehh’ like hissing sound is produced from mouth which provides its cooling motion. It’s additionally known as the hissing breath.

This pranayama is solely carried out by closing the mouth and bringing the higher and decrease enamel collectively. Expose them by parting the lips. Then carry out Khechari mudra by folding the tongue to the touch the taste bud. Inhale by way of the uncovered enamel. Shut the mouth to carry your breath for 2 seconds after which exhale by way of nostrils.

Though sheetkari produces related results as sheetali pranayama, as well as, Sheetkari pranayama is particularly helpful in;

• Decreasing blood stress and lowering signs of hysteria.
• Releasing emotional and psychological knots current within the physique.
• Inducing enjoyable mind waves like delta and alpha band energy within the frontal and occipital areas.

10. Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath)

Amongst 8 classical pranayama sorts, Ujjayi is essentially the most satisfying deep respiratory pranayama method. It’s stated, Ujjayi spontaneously happens in deep and intense focus, and therefore, primarily carried out throughout a meditation, Yoga Nidra and yoga mudra session.

Ujjayi pranayama is carried out by inhaling from the nostril, constricting the throat internally, and releasing the breath opening the mouth. The exhalation should produce an “HAA” sound as you open the mouth.

Many research have proven the therapeutic advantages of Ujjayi when integrated with Bandhas, Mantra Japa, and yoga poses;

• Incorporating Ujjayi pranayama in makarasana can launch pressure from the decrease again and enhance the provision of oxygen-rich blood all the way down to the backbone. It relieves from sciatica or spinal spondylitis.
• Ujjayi pranayama with brief and extended breath retention has confirmed positively impacts oxygen consumption, results in the next metabolic fee within the physique.
• In a randomized management trial examine, totally different physiological variables have been measured after working towards ujjayi pranayama. A major distinction is noticed within the resting coronary heart fee and resting pulse fee after 8 weeks of coaching of Ujjayi.

Methods to Carry out Ujjayi Pranayama

11. Plavini Pranayama

Plavini is a sophisticated kind of pranayama that calls for experience in breath-holding for a chronic interval.

In Plavini Pranayama, the air is gulped into the abdomen both via easy nostril respiratory or by way of the mouth in kaki mudra. Then with none bodily motion or expelling the air out, the air is retained contained in the physique for 30 to 90 minutes.

• By stopping the air contained in the abdomen, the yogis don’t really feel hungry so plavini pranayama is a manner of pure fasting.
• It’s stated in conventional texts, working towards plavini makes the physique lighter sufficient so one can float simply on the water floor. It’s additionally known as ‘floating breath’.

12. Murcha Pranayama (Swooning Breath)

After Plavini, Murcha is one other conventional pranayama method that emphasizes breath retention.

In Murcha Pranayama, the air is inhaled by way of nostrils at fullest capability. Then utilizing Jalandhar Bandha (throat lock) breath is held and the air is retained inside for even longer than is comfy.

It offers a sense of fainting to the practitioner, nonetheless, in accordance with Hatha Yoga Pradipika – By way of this pranayama, the expertise of acutely aware unconsciousness is supposed to come up.

• Murcha pranayama lowers the oxygen focus in blood reaching the mind, ends in fainting sensation. Finally, it clears practitioner’s connection to the exterior world, therefore helps in pratyahara (sense withdrawal).
• Additionally, it offers psychological readability and induces rest and interior consciousness.

13. Sama Vritti Pranayama (Field Respiratory)

Popularly referred to as field respiratory, Sama vritti is an easy pranayama method. It’s a gradual and deep pranayama kind that focuses on all 3 components of respiratory – inhale, exhale, and retention.

In Sama Vritti Pranayama, a practitioner has to make sure an equal interval of their breath together with inhale, holding the breath in, exhale, and holding the breath out.

• It allows the lung to work evenly and equally throughout inhalation, retention, and exhalation, finally will increase lung capability.
• Sama vritti pranayama has a stress-busting impact as respiratory evenly instantly impacts the autonomic nervous system.
• By lowering stress response, this pranayama additionally helps you to sleep effectively with full effectivity in little or no time.

Nonetheless, in superior yogis, a variation of Sama Vritti known as Visma Vritti pranayama or uneven breath is extra practiced.

14. Dirgha Pranayama (Three-Half Respiratory)

Dirgha pranayama is a full yogic respiratory method by which inhalation and exhalation are achieved in 3 components.

• First, full filling of the decrease stomach
• Second, full filling of the thoracic area by the extension of facet ribs
• Lastly extension of higher chest space by lengthening of collarbone and shoulders

Like some other deep respiratory, Dirgha pranayama relaxes the blood vessels and widen them, which reduces the hypertension. Its results on the physique come by its motion on stomach motion

• When stomach strikes with respiratory, inner stomach organs additionally make the motion. It offers them inner therapeutic massage and enhances the digestive system operate.
• Dirgha pranayama results the oxygen focus in blood to the mind.

15. Udgeeth Pranayama (Chanting breath)

There are a lot of frequent names of Udgeeth Pranayama like Omkari jap, Om chanting, Omkara chanting. Whereas performing this pranayama, Omkara sound connects you with silence inside you. On this silence, our mind will get vibrations to tune in a pure frequency.

Udgeeth pranayama lets you cope with nervousness, guilt, concern, and unhappiness. It cures acidity and issues associated to sleep (Insomnia) and unhealthy desires.

Conclusion

Whether or not you need to cut back stress or hypertension, enhance focus or discover stillness in your religious journey, there are differentf pranayama respiratory methods one can select from.

Totally different pranayamas include quite a few advantages and selecting one completely will depend on whenever you’re doing it or what you’re anticipating.

For instance, after a vigorous yoga session, you need your physique to loosen up and thoughts to settle down. On this situation, pranayama like left nostril respiratory or sitali which have cooling results shall be helpful as a substitute of doing kapalbhati or proper nostril respiratory.