There are a lot of types of yoga and pranayama is also one of them. It is the yoga of breathing or yogic breathing exercise. This is one of the most popular meditation and mindfulness breathing techniques that has several benefits. There are a lot of types of pranayama and some of them are better than the others. According to research, it can help you reduce anxiety, and stress and can make you feel relaxed and fresh. Also, it is known to have an impact on the function of your body including your brain. It can also help you connect with your soul and allow you to be in touch with your higher consciousness. For these reasons, it has become very popular among yoga practitioners.
Types Of Pranayama:
Here is a list of the top 5 best types of pranayama practices or poses that are better than the others.
1. Nadi Shodhana:
Nadi Shodhana is one of the best yoga breathing exercises or pranayama. It is a yoga breathing style where you open one nostril at a time. That is why it is known as the alternate nostril breathing technique or pose. To do this pose, you will need to sit in a peaceful position while your legs are crossed and your hands are in perfect shape. To do this properly read the guide below.
Here is how to do it.
- Start by placing your fingers on your nose in a way that you can close and open nostrils properly.
- After that, you should start inhaling the air inside your lungs. Do it normally.
- Once you are done inhaling, now, close the left nostril and breathe through the right one only.
- After that alternate your nostrils and breath with the other one.
- Do it multiple times as much as you can while trying to maintain your concentration on breathing.
- Release your nostrils.
2. Shitali Pranayama:
This is also a super technique of breathing and a pose that allows you to intake more oxygen using your mouth instead of your nose. In this pose, you will be using your curled tongue to inhale the air and will be exhaling your nostrils. This is a super breathing technique that provides many benefits including increased concentration and better focus.
Here is how to do it.
- Sit in the yoga pose to start your breathing exercise.
- Make sure that your legs are crossed and your hands are comfortably resting on your knees.
- After that, start intaking oxygen while keeping your tongue curved, three to five counts of intake are enough for this exercise.
- Once you are done inhaling, exhale the air from your nostrils while keeping your mouth closed during that.
- Repeat the above steps multiple times to get more benefits, also maintain your focus on your breathing during the exercise for increased benefits.
3. Ujjayi Pranayama:
It is one of the most popular forms of yogic breathing or pranayama. This exercise requires you to inhale and exhale while making a sound from your throat. This exercise is important because it allows you to focus more on the air going inside and coming out of your body. With the help of this distraction, you can become more engaged in your breathing and forget all of your stress and anxiety. It is one of the most effective techniques of pranayama that has been successful for many people.
Here is how to do it.
- The first step is simple, you just need to sit on a floor mat while crossing your legs and putting your hands on your knees that are crossed.
- Straighten your back and chest and allow yourself to breathe more.
- Start by a short exhale and restrict your throat.
- Now, inhale and exhale with a vibration pattern that will follow.
- You should repeat these steps at least ten times to get more benefits from this exercise.
4. Kapalabhati Pranayama:
This is also one of the best and top poses of the pranayama breathing exercise that many yoga gurus do and recommend. It is known for its cleansing effects. Think of it as an exercise that allows you to lose all of your worries and sorrows and be a clean slate. Here is how to do it.
- You should start by sitting comfortably in a meditative posture.
- Cross your legs and put your hands on your knees.
- Close your fingers in a meditative way.
- After that, relax inhale and allow the chest to expand.
- Do active exhalation and passive inhalation. Meaning that exhales more and inhale less.
- It will allow you to lose all air from inside the lungs.
As the air moves out, you will think of yourself pure.
Also Read- BEST YOGA TEACHER TRAINING CERTIFICATION COURSE ONLINE IN INDIA
5. Bhastrika Pranayama:
Bhastrika pranayama is known as some of the best and most recommended types of yoga breathing exercise that is known to have many benefits. It can make you feel clean, pure, can allow you to lose all of your worries and sorrows can help you get rid of the anxiety and stress, and can make you calm and peaceful.
Here is how to do it.
- Start by sitting in the meditative pose.
- Instead of putting your hands on your knees, close your palms and lift your arms.
- Now inhale and exhale, make sure to exhale more forcefully than you are inhaling.
- Repeat these steps about 10 times to get more benefits.
Conclusion – Where To Learn Pranayama Poses?
As you know, there are a lot of types of pranayama poses and practices. To get these benefits that come with the pranayama practice, you will need to learn it before practicing it. Otherwise, there will be no benefits from it. So, you must learn, you should learn from someone with experience and certification in pranayama. You can find such teachers at the Arhanta Yoga Ashram. You will not only be able to learn but also participate in the practice of yoga and get the benefits that pranayama offers. It is one of the best ways to learn pranayama and its types.
