| Since Yama literally means "control," you could say | | | | often seen in Vinyasa style Hatha Yoga, Power Yoga, |
| that Pranayama is control of "vital energy." When | | | | and Ashtanga Yoga classes, but can be found in other |
| teaching Yoga classes, the four stages of Pranayama | | | | Yoga styles, as well. This technique allows the Yoga |
| should be thoroughly explained. If you think in terms of | | | | student to concentrate deeper on his or her practice. |
| a pendulum, it is much similar to the four stages of | | | | However, this is also a calming form of Pranayama |
| Pranayama. The pendulum moves in one direction, | | | | that can be performed before bedtime, relaxation, or |
| pauses, then moves in the opposite direction, and | | | | meditation. |
| pauses again. This is the same action that occurs in | | | | The glottis is gently contracted to draw the length of |
| the lungs, when a Yoga student practices Pranayama. | | | | your breath out. Yoga students should seek guidance |
| The following are the four stages of Pranayama. | | | | from a certified Yoga teacher when integrating |
| Puraka is the inhalation stage. Antar Kumbaka is the | | | | bandhas with Ujjayi Pranayama. |
| pause that happens when we retain the inhalation. | | | | Natural Breath: This is the breath of a new born baby. |
| Rechaka is the exhalation stage of a breath. Bahir | | | | It is a full breath in the upper, middle, and lower |
| Kumbaka is external breath retention and occurs after | | | | compartments of the lungs. The stomach, intercostals, |
| the exhalation stage. | | | | and chest should expand equally during an inhale. If a |
| Why should we get so technical about Pranayama | | | | student is naturally short of breath and nervous, he or |
| techniques in the average Yoga class? Many Yoga | | | | she may have difficulty learning this technique, even |
| students will come to your classes for a variety of | | | | with the guidance of a certified Yoga teacher. |
| pain relieving methods, and some Pranayama | | | | However, this same student is relieved to master |
| techniques usually help alleviate pain. | | | | natural breath, as this Pranayama will also calm those |
| When a person has pain, he or she can think of | | | | who feel anxiety, nervousness, and hypertension. This |
| nothing else. Pain is the companion you wish you never | | | | Pranayama technique is not a cure for nervousness, |
| met. Pranayama can help us say goodbye to pain, but | | | | but some Yoga students have had amazing relief |
| it must be performed technically and safely. | | | | from natural breath. |
| Here are some of the many forms of Pranayama a | | | | Dhirga Pranayama: Is a three part breath, where |
| Yoga teacher should know. There are more, but this is | | | | awareness is developed through all three lung |
| a good foundation. It should also be noted that Yoga | | | | compartments from the bottom up on an inhale and |
| students are advised to seek guidance from a | | | | from the top down on an exhale. This is a very |
| competent Yoga teacher. | | | | common practice within a Hatha Yoga class. |
| Pranayama methods deserve much more respect | | | | Kapalabhati Pranayama, Sitali Pranayama, and |
| and should not be taken lightly. | | | | Bhastrika Pranayama are also essential techniques. As |
| One Pranayama session of 20 minutes, would make | | | | stated earlier; there are many more Pranayama |
| any Yoga beginner realize the hard work that goes | | | | techniques that can be taught by Hatha yoga |
| into this practice. The value of Pranayama, and quality | | | | teachers, as quality of life can be rediscovered through |
| of life it can bring, cannot be overstated. | | | | their practice. |
| Ujjayi Pranayama: Also known as victorious breath is | | | | |