Welcome to the wonderful wide world of pranayama breathing, where the sky is the limit when it comes to benefits! Whether you call them pranayama techniques, breathing exercises, or yoga breathing techniques, these simple exercises can be powerful tools for improving all aspects of your life.

The word pranayama is two words combined, prana and yama. Prana is the unseen life force, or vital energy, all around us, and yama means to use breath control or breath retention. Also referred to as yogic breathing, these yogic practices originated in India thousands of years ago.

With the ever-increasing interest in yoga postures, yoga therapy, and other yoga practices, it’s only natural that pranayama would also gain in popularity. Whether you already have an established yoga practice or are new to the world of yoga, pranayama can offer you tremendous benefits.

Let’s look at the benefits of specific pranayama breathing techniques.

Health benefits of pranayama techniques 

Straw breathing for lower blood pressure

You won’t find a more simple breathing technique than straw breathing, yet it packs a punch. This pranayama is excellent for reducing high blood pressure, stress, and anxiety.

It’s important to note that straw breathing is not a substitute for medication.

How to practice: 

Inhale deeply through the nose, and slowly exhale through the mouth as if you have a straw in your mouth. This pranayama breathing can be practiced by anyone, with eyes closed or open. You can practice this breath as often as you like, at day or at night.

Humming bee breath helps with anger and anxiety

This pranayama is also known by the Sanskrit word, Bhramari (bra-mah-ree). Bhramari uses the humming sound like a bee to soothe your nervous system and relax when tension is high. You can practice Bhramari pranayama breathing three to nine times a day, as needed. 

Watch this video to learn how easy it is to practice humming bee breath.

Victorious breath conquers overthinking

You probably already do this breathing practice naturally, while falling asleep. Called Ujjayi (oo-jai) breath in Sanskrit, victory breath is a cousin of snoring. It is most often used while practicing yoga, or with three-stage breathing. 

A few long, deep breaths in Ujjayi can help relax you, but doing more will energize you! In other words, ten Ujjayi breaths will help you go to sleep. More than ten, and you might want to get out of bed and do something. 

This technique is one of several taught on the SKY Breath Meditation course (including three-stage breathing).

Alternate nostril breathing brings the mind to the present moment

Known as Nadi Shodhana (na-dee-sho-da-na) in Sanskrit, alternate nostril breathing balances the hemispheres of the brain, and brings the mind to the present moment. 

This is an excellent pranayama to do for overall well-being, and is helpful in overcoming simple headaches. Practicing for just a few minutes, once or twice a day, is enough to reap the benefits. 

Check out this video for easy-to-do instructions.

Skull shining breath sharpens the intellect

This breathing technique also has a Sanskrit name, Kapalbhati (ka-paul-ba-tee). It is a more advanced technique. 

Ideally, you will learn this pranayama in a yoga class or a Silent Retreat. There are many benefits to skull shining breath, including aiding in weight loss and improving digestive system function, but this pranayama requires a little skill. Kapalbhati uses abdominal muscles for forceful exhalation and is best practiced in the morning. There is also a long list of precautions for who should avoid Kapalbhati. 

General guidelines for practicing pranayama

1. Practice on an empty stomach

2. Have access to fresh air (crack open a window)

3. Sit with a relaxed, straight spine

4. Smile!

Beyond breathing exercises

Wondering what can take you to the next level? 

SKY Breath Meditation uses patterns of breath to effortlessly take you into a deep state of relaxation. SKY is easy to learn and do as a home practice. Here are some of the beneficial effects of SKY that can be seen in various areas of life.

SKY for home- Better sleep quality and improved relationships

SKY for work- Healthier blood pressure and a significant decrease in anxiety

SKY for school- Greater mental focus and an increase in self-esteem

SKY for mental health- Reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, addictive behaviors, and depression

SKY for physical health- Improved lung function and a stronger immune system

SKY for emotional health- Enhanced optimism and increased joy

To learn more about SKY Breath Meditation and how you too can gain all these benefits, please attend our upcoming free introductory session online. You will also learn a deep breathing pranayama called bellows breath, which increases lung capacity, vital energy, and mental clarity.

Click on the image below to choose your spot.

Now that you know so many types of pranayama, you can practice pranayama for a healthy mind and body every day!