15 Varieties of Pranayama Respiratory Strategies and Advantages [Explained]

There are a variety of various respiration methods in yoga that may ease stress, and make you’re feeling much less anxious and calm.

We use the time period ‘Pranayama’ for a group of yogic respiration workouts. Nevertheless, one should know respiration workouts are totally different from Pranayama respiration methods.

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

Pranayama observe focuses on consciously increasing the breath by varied technique of methods, which decelerate the entire respiration 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 respiration methods and advantages. In case you are all in favour of understanding about pranayama in nice depth, I’d counsel studying this newbie’s information to Pranayama and the 12 science-backed advantages of pranayama.

Initially, The Eight Classical Pranayama

In response to Hatha Yoga Pradipika (an historical textual content of yoga), there are 8 variety of pranayama combinedly known as ‘8 Kumbhakas’, and often called ‘Eight classical pranayamas’. All of the pranayamas that we do in yoga are someway modified variations of those 8 classical pranayamas.

Kevala Kumbhaka and Sahita Pranayama

Within the yogic philosophy of pranayama, the respiration course of is split into three components; Inhalation (Puraka) — Retention Holding (Kumbhaka) — Exhalation (Rechaka). An important facet of pranayama is kumbhaka (i.e. breath retention). Nevertheless, we deal with Inhalation & exhalation in several pranayama sorts, however it’s ‘breath retention (kumbhaka)’ {that a} yogi goals to develop by a pranayama observe. Because of this totally different pranayama sorts are additionally known as ‘Kumbhakas’ in Sanskrit.

When pranayama is finished with acutely aware effort and never spontaneously, means once we attempt to domesticate consciousness to watch 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 taking place with none acutely aware effort or an obvious affiliation with both inhalation or exhalation, it’s known as Kevala Kumbhaka. It’s the very 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.

Varieties of Pranayama Respiratory Strategies and Advantages

Grasp yoga gurus counsel that the finest time to observe pranayama and yoga, generally, is Brahmamuhurta – early within the morning and on an empty abdomen. Ideally, pranayama ought to be practised in an open house 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 beneficial to mix totally different kinds of mudras with pranayama respiration to deepen its results.

Every sort 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 respiration methods.

1. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate nostril respiration)
2. Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows respiration)
3. Kapalbhati Pranayama (Cranium shining breath)
4. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee respiration)
5. Anulom Vilom Pranayama
6. Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling breath)
7. Surya Bhedna Pranayama (Proper nostril respiration)
8. Chandra Bhedna Pranayama (Left nostril respiration)
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. respiration)
14. Dirgha Pranayama (Three-Half respiration)
15. Udgeeth Pranayama (Chanting breath)

1. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Respiratory)

That is the primary sort of pranayama and is most practised due to its soothing results on the mind. Popularly often called a type of alternate nostril respiration, it’s a sluggish and deep yoga respiration train.

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

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

• A big discount in each state and trait nervousness has proven after 6 weeks
• Put up-operative ache and struggling of sufferers have diminished
• A big discount in despair, stress, nervousness, and peak expiratory circulate price has been measured within the pre and post-surgery

One other experimental research exhibits the speedy results of Nadi Shodhan on wholesome people’ coronary heart price, blood strain, and problem-solving capacity. It’s discovered on this research;

• Nadi shodhan refreshes air all through the lungs and alters autonomic exercise. It considerably declines the center price and systolic blood strain.
• Peak expiratory circulate price improved which exhibits a wholesome lung situation.
• Because of higher adaptability for psychological stress-induced after practising nadi shodhan participant’s mathematical problem-solving time diminished considerably.

Nadi Shodhan Pranayama steps and advantages

2. Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath)

In distinction to sluggish and deep respiration, bhastrika pranayama is available in quick and quick respiration sort pranayama. Bhastrika actually means “bellows breath”

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

Speedy 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 may be very efficient in revitalizing the working of the lungs. In a 2019 research, bhastrika pranayama impact on lung perform is examined amongst 30 wholesome people and it has discovered;

• A big increment is noticed within the Pressured important capability, pressured expiratory quantity within the first second, Peak expiratory circulate price, 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 research on the consequences of bhastrika on coronary heart price and blood strain carried out. This time sluggish tempo bhastrika pranayama is carried out for five minutes adopted by the measurement of blood strain and coronary heart price. The comparative research between the readings of given parameters earlier than and after bhastrika concluded that:

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

Easy methods to Follow Bhastrika Pranayama & Its Advantages

3. Kapalbhati Pranayama

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

In addition to pranayama, kapalbhati is without doubt 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’re feeling lighter after performing it.

Many research achieved up 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 price of the physique. Quicker metabolism results in elevated calorie consumption and additional, helps in weight reduction.
• It has been proven in a research, 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 Easy methods to Carry out Accurately

4. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)

Bhramari pranayama is essentially the most stress-free respiration approach anybody can do simply to eliminate 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.

Whenever 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 respiration 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 sort of pranayama that maintains the circulate of Prana in Ida and Pingala Nadi equally. Whereas Nadi shodhana is a cleaning pranayama sort that serves the aim of Nadis purification.

Some scientific research have confirmed advantages of anulom vilom;

• In a research, It has proven anulom vilom considerably improves the lung perform 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, considering, reasoning, remembering, and problem-solving abilities compared to Vinyasa circulate sort yoga poses.

6. Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath)

Sheetali pranayama is a cooling respiration approach. Historic 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 rolled tongue and exhaled out by the nostrils. Salvia on the tongue moisturizes the air on its approach by the mouth and we really feel immediate coolness.

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

• In some yogic texts, Sheetali pranayama is described to have starvation and thirst management capacity. It has a relaxing 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 strain in hypertensive sufferers. It has been present in a research, Sheetali decrease excessive bp by 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 respiration, Surya Bhedna pranayam is a kind of uninostril yogic respiration wherein 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 offers vitality to the yogi. It may be referred as ‘scorching pranayama’ or ‘proper nostril respiration’.

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

Surya Bhedana: Easy methods to do it Accurately and Advantages

8. Chandra Bhedna Pranayama

On this pranayama sort, respiration is finished within the reverse method to Surya Bhedna pranayama i.e. Inhale – left nostril and exhale – proper nostril.

Chandra Bhedna pranayama is a cooling respiration approach 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 respiration 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 the uncovered enamel. Shut the mouth to carry your breath for 2 seconds after which exhale by nostrils.

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

• Reducing blood strain and lowering signs of tension.
• Releasing emotional and psychological knots current within the physique.
• Inducing stress-free 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 respiration pranayama approach. It’s mentioned, 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 rigidity from the decrease again and enhance the provision of oxygen-rich blood right down to the backbone. It relieves from sciatica or spinal spondylitis.
• Ujjayi pranayama with quick and extended breath retention has confirmed positively impacts oxygen consumption, results in a better metabolic price within the physique.
• In a randomized management trial research, totally different physiological variables had been measured after practising ujjayi pranayama. A big distinction is noticed within the resting coronary heart price and resting pulse price after 8 weeks of coaching of Ujjayi.

Easy methods to Carry out Ujjayi Pranayama

11. Plavini Pranayama

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

In Plavini Pranayama, the air is gulped into the abdomen both via easy nostril respiration or by 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 approach of pure fasting.
• It’s mentioned in conventional texts, practising 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 approach that emphasizes breath retention.

In Murcha Pranayama, the air is inhaled by 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 response to Hatha Yoga Pradipika – By this pranayama, the expertise of acutely aware unconsciousness is supposed to come up.

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

13. Sama Vritti Pranayama (Field Respiratory)

Popularly often called field respiration, Sama vritti is a very simple pranayama approach. It’s a sluggish and deep pranayama sort that focuses on all 3 components of respiration – 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 permits 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 respiration evenly immediately impacts the autonomic nervous system.
• By lowering stress response, this pranayama additionally allows you to sleep nicely with full effectivity in little or no time.

Nevertheless, 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 respiration approach wherein 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 aspect ribs
• Lastly extension of higher chest space by lengthening of collarbone and shoulders

Like some other deep respiration, 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 respiration, inner stomach organs additionally make the motion. It offers them inner therapeutic massage and enhances the digestive system perform.
• Dirgha pranayama results the oxygen focus in blood to the mind.

15. Udgeeth Pranayama (Chanting breath)

There are various 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 take care of nervousness, guilt, worry, and disappointment. It cures acidity and issues associated to sleep (Insomnia) and dangerous goals.

Conclusion

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

Completely different pranayamas include quite a few advantages and selecting one completely relies on while 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 respiration or sitali which have cooling results might be useful as a substitute of doing kapalbhati or proper nostril respiration.