Are you breathing too loud or too soft in your asana practice?
Guide to Ujjayi Breathing & Ashtanga Pranayama Seq
•
3m 2s
Students often ask me, "Am I breathing too loud, heavy?" or "Am I breathing too soft, quiet?" My answer is that the breathing should be natural. Sri K Pattabhis Jois said the breath should be medium or free.
When you are confused or frustrated about your breath it is best to align the sound of your ujjayi breathing with the directional movements of prana and apana vayus. Listen and follow the apanic route of the out-breath as it sweeps down the spine and into the yoni at the pelvic floor base. Follow the route of the pranic in-breath by following it up and behind the belly; listen to the upward sweep of the expansive in-breath to the top of the chest.
Up Next in Guide to Ujjayi Breathing & Ashtanga Pranayama Seq
-
Patterns of Apana and Prana Basics 101
Apana vayu governs the lower abdominal and pelvic region within the torso from the navel to the pelvic floor. By tuning into the pattern of apana vayu, the investigative yogi gains full knowledge of the intricacies of exhaling, including utilizing the full extent of subtle breathing muscles withi...
-
Jalandha Bandha Basics 101
Jalandhara: net, support,
Bandha: lock, close, shut, re direct
Chin Lock (net-holding lock. Like a fisherman would use to hold one end of his net beneath his chin, while casting out the rest of it).
Jalandhara bandha, the chin lock, is an essential ashtanga yoga technique, it is the up... -
Are there other seated positions I ca...
When setting up to sit for pranayama, nearly any upright position can be used. The material in the "Imagery for the Central Axis" section in my book provides a universal set of instructions that can be used for setting up any seated position in for pranayama.
Remember to choose your pranayama ...
