Breathing occurs unconsciously, but in yoga, we often hear instructors tell us to concentrate on our breathing. The process called Pranayama goes beyond breathing consciously. It is a connection between mind and body that facilitates smooth movements, improved concentration and increased awareness.
Regardless of the type of yoga practiced, pranayama will be used during every asana. Although the concepts may seem too theoretical in the beginning, they become clearer when experienced practically.
What Is Pranayama?
Pranayama is a term derived from two words in Sanskrit. The first one is “prana”, which refers to life force energy, while the second one is “ayama”, meaning expansion or control. Thus, we can conclude that pranayama refers to the expansion and control of life force energy via breath.
Imagine you have just come home after a long working day. You feel tired and stressed. A few minutes after starting your practice and inhaling deeply, you notice your body relaxing and your thoughts become clear. This is the essence of pranayama.
Pranayama cannot be separated from yoga because it is an integral part of the practice.
Pranayama in Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga focuses on balance and alignment of the body. Movements are slower compared to other types of yoga and are performed with conscious control. How does pranayama fit? Pranayama serves as an anchor for the mind and body.
Every asana is associated with controlled breath. Conscious inhalation and exhalation support the contraction of muscles and improve concentration. In addition, pranayama allows you to relax between different postures.
If you feel anxious due to a complicated pose, pranayama helps maintain stability. Now, let us move further. Techniques such as Ujjayi and Nadi Shodhana are usually included in Hatha sessions.
During a 200-hour yoga teacher training program, practitioners often learn how pranayama affects the stability of poses and meditation awareness.
Pranayama in Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga involves performing poses in a particular order and they are synchronised with breath. Now, what is the role of pranayama in Ashtanga yoga? Pranayama creates flow. Breathing during poses provides rhythm for every asana, similar to music.
Imagine practicing without pranayama. In such case, you would perform movements in Ashtanga yoga mechanically and slowly. However, when you breathe during poses, you feel energetic and lively.
Thus, the main concept is that breathing enables flow, preventing exhaustion and developing internal body heat.
When enrolled in a 200-hour yoga teacher training school, learners realise that pranayama increases endurance and concentration during demanding sequences.
Benefits of Pranayama Outside the Practice Room
People usually believe that yoga can be practised only during classes. In reality, controlled breathing techniques can help people achieve calmness, reduce stress and increase their lung capacity. Moreover, pranayama prepares the mind for meditation and emotional stability.
Therefore, for those who study in a yoga teacher training school programme, pranayama becomes a powerful tool in their everyday lives. For instance, this technique teaches them to respond to situations rather than react to them.
Properly Learning Pranayama
One may ask whether it is possible to learn how to practise breathing exercises independently. While it can be performed without a trainer, there is always a risk of injury. Furthermore, pranayama requires an understanding of anatomy, physiology and proper sequencing. These principles are discussed thoroughly in a 200-hour yoga teacher training course.
Once acquired, these skills allow you to implement pranayama effectively.
Conclusion
To summarise, pranayama is a powerful tool that supports every asana in Ashtanga and Hatha yoga. It helps in stabilising movements, focusing attention and balancing mind and body.
If you want to learn how to use breathing techniques properly and gain in-depth knowledge about yoga asanas, sign up for a 200-hour YTT program offered by India Yoga School.
