Pranayama is a practice of controlling the breath, which can help to improve physical and mental health. There are many types of pranayama, but here are 15 common ones:
Nadi Shodhana: Also known as alternate nostril breathing, this pranayama involves inhaling and exhaling through one nostril at a time while closing the other nostril with the fingers.
Kapalabhati: This is a rapid and forceful exhalation followed by a passive inhalation. It is believed to help clear the respiratory passages and energize the body.
Bhastrika: This pranayama involves rapid inhalation and exhalation with equal force, similar to the bellows of a blacksmith. It is thought to improve lung capacity and oxygenation.
Sheetali: In this pranayama, the tongue is curled and used to inhale air through the mouth, which is then held in the lungs for a few seconds before exhaling through the nostrils.
Sheetkari: Similar to sheetali, this pranayama involves inhaling through the mouth while keeping the teeth clenched, followed by a brief retention of the breath before exhaling through the nostrils.
Ujjayi: In this pranayama, the breath is inhaled and exhaled through the nose while constricting the throat muscles, creating a sound similar to ocean waves.
Brahmari: This pranayama involves inhaling through the nostrils and exhaling while making a humming sound like a bee.
Surya Bhedana: In this pranayama, the breath is inhaled through the right nostril and exhaled through the left nostril.
Chandra Bhedana: This is the opposite of Surya Bhedana, where the breath is inhaled through the left nostril and exhaled through the right nostril.
Viloma: This pranayama involves interrupting the inhalation or exhalation by pausing and holding the breath for a few seconds before continuing.
Anuloma: This is a type of Viloma where the inhalation is interrupted with a brief pause before exhaling.
Pratiloma: This is another type of Viloma where the exhalation is interrupted with a brief pause before inhaling.
Sama Vritti: In this pranayama, the breath is inhale and exhale at equal length, typically to a count of 4 or 6.
Shining Skull: This is a type of pranayama where the breath is held after inhaling, while also constricting the throat muscles and holding the chin to the chest.
Agni Sara: In this pranayama, the breath is exhaled forcefully while holding the abdomen inwards, followed by a passive inhalation. It is believed to improve digestion and increase energy