Breathing is life. It is one of our most vital functions. One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama or
Breathing Exercise which promotes proper breathing. In a Yogic point of view, proper breathing is to bring
more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control Prana or the vital life energy. Pranayama Yoga also goes hand in hand with the Asanas. The union of these two Yogic Principles is considered as the highest form of purification and self-discipline, covering both mind and body. In our everyday lives, few of us pay attention to the breath. Breathing is a rhythmic, involuntary process regulated by respiratory centres, the most important function of which is to supply oxygen to the blood in exchange for carbon dioxide. This exchange happens all day long, every day, and goes largely unnoticed unless we’re sick with a cold or doing vigorous exercise.

In Yoga, however, the simple act of breathing takes on a whole new meaning. Yoga is about cultivating breath awareness, and exploring the relationship between movement and breath. The breath, or prana, is so
important that most instructors cue inhales and exhales the same way they cue the asana practice. There
are numerous breathing techniques in Yoga, each of which has a specific purpose and methodology. Some
most common are below:

Dirgha Pranayama (pronounced “Deer-ga Pra-na-ya-ma”: Often referred to as a complete or full yogic
breath, Dirgha Pranayama is a long, deep three dimensional breath that fills the belly, side bodies and chest
with air on each inhale. The exhale is long and soft, completely emptying the body of air. Dirgha Pranayama calms the mind and releases tension in the chest and stomach. Though it’s unlikely you’ll hear many instructors use the term “Dirga Pranayama” this is a very common breathing technique. It’s often used at the beginning of class to help students centre, bring their attention inward and prepare for their asana practice.

Ujjayi Pranayama (pronounced “Oo-jai”): Ujjayi Pranayama is the breathing technique most often associated with Yoga. Ujjayi, or the victorious breath, is an audible breath created by gently contracting the back of the throat on both the inhale and exhale. This breath is performed with the mouth closed and sounds like the sound in a sea shell. Yoga instructors often guide Ujjayi pranayama during class. This breathing technique activates the parasympathetic nervous system (stimulates “rest and digest” activities when the body is at rest), calms the mind, strengthens the lung muscles, increases concentration and facilitates a complete exchange of air in the lungs.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (pronounced “Nadi Show-dha-na”): Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril
breathing, is a calming breathing technique that cleanses, purifies and balances the right and left
hemispheres of the brain. It is performed by closing off the right nostril and taking a long deep breath in
through the left then closing the left nostril and exhaling through the right. The next inhale is through the right nostril (with the left closed off) and the exhale through the left (with the right closed off). This pattern is
continued for several cycles.

Kapalabhati Pranayama (pronounced “Ka-pa-la-bha-te”): Translated to English, Kapalabhati Pranayama
means “breath of fire.” This heat generating breath opens the sinuses, tones the abdominal muscles,
oxygenates the blood and releases tension in the chest and abdomen. Kapalabhati pranayam is a short sharp breath performed by strongly contracting the abdomen to forcefully push air out of the body through the nose (repeated contractions after a partial inhale). Kapalabhati is not a sustainable breathing technique but instructors may guide this breath work in class from time to time. Kapalabhati Pranayama may cause
shortness of breath or light headedness. Those who are pregnant or have uncontrolled high blood pressure
should avoid this breathing technique.

YOGA BREATHING (PRANAYAMA) – THE 7 CHAKRAS

The seven main energy centres in the body are called the Chakras. They are located along the spine, starting at the base and running upwards to the crown of the head. The Chakras are described as “whirling disks of light”; each Chakra radiates a specific colour and energy. As each Chakra relates to specific, spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical issues, the conscious awareness and the balancing of these energy centres lead to well-being.

Chakra 1: Muladhara Chakra
The first Chakra, Muladhara (root), is located at the base of the spine, its colour is red and its issues are
survival, stability and self- sufficiency.

Chakra 2: Svadhisthana Chakra
The second Chakra, Svadhisthana (sweetness), is located at the lower abdomen (between belly button and
pelvic bone). Its colour is orange and its issues are sexuality, creativity, relationships and emotions.

Chakra 3: Manipura Chakra
The third Chakra, Manipura (lustrous gem), is located at the solar plexus (between belly button and bottom
of rib cage). Its colour is yellow and its issues are personal power, self- esteem, wilfulness and energy.

Chakra 4: Anahata Chakra
The fourth Chakra, Anahata (not struck), is located at the heart (centre of the chest). Its colour is green and
its issues are love, compassion, acceptance and trust.

Chakra 5: Vishuddha Chakra
The fifth Chakra, Vissudha (purification), is located at the throat. Its colour is bright blue and its issues are
communication, inspiration, expression, and faith.

Chakra 6: Ajna Chakra
The sixth chakra, Ajna (to perceive), is located between the eyebrows, just above the bridge of the nose. Its
colour is indigo blue and its issues are psychic, emotional and mental intelligence, and intuition.

Chakra 7: Sahasrara Chakra
The seventh Chakra, Sahasrara (thousand petaled), is located at the crown (top) of the head. Its colour is
white or violet and its issues are devotion, inspiration, selflessness, and spiritual understanding.

The format and structure of delivery of classes is in the training manual which will be given to you during your training.