Breathing Lessons + Mula Bandha (If You Know It)

Many people discover a love of yoga through the physical poses or asanas. But pretty quickly you learn that the poses don't stand by themselves. They are supported by not only your muscles and bones but also by your breath. Although breathing is an involuntary action, we can choose to control how we do it for a variety of effects. 
Lately, I've noticed that when teachers mention a specific pranayama in class, it's often followed by, "if you know it." Use ujjayi breath here if you know it. But what if you don't know it or you think you know it but you're not sure? That's why we're here.

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us Breathing Lessons + Mula Bandha (If You Know It) Many people discover a love of yoga through the physical poses or asanas. But pretty quickly you learn that the poses don't stand by themselves. They are supported by not only your muscles and bones but also by your breath. Although breathing is an involuntary action, we can choose to control how we do it for a variety of effects.  Lately, I've noticed that when teachers mention a specific pranayama in class, it's often followed by, "if you know it." Use ujjayi breath here if you know it. But what if you don't know it or you think you know it but you're not sure? That's why we're here. Ann Pizer Yoga Expert How to Do Ocean Breath - Ujjayi Pranayama   Ujjayi breath is most often practiced in vinyasa yoga classes. Ideally, it should be done throughout the practice to support your poses and your concentration. If you're not sure what I'm talking about, it's that breath that sounds like Darth Vader.  READ NOW How to Do Dirga Pranayama (Three Part Breath)   I love to do this pranayama at the beginning of a yoga session because it's so grounding and brings your attention to the present moment so effectively. It also reveals how little of our lung capacity we're accustomed to using. READ NOW How to Do Kapalabhati Pranayama - Skull Shining Breath   This breath, which is used a lot in Kundalini yoga, is a little more complicated because it doesn't really resemble natural breathing at all. The rapid pumping of the stomach is intended to be invigorating and cleansing.  READ NOW How (and Why) to Use Mula Bandha in Yoga   Mula bandha isn't really a breathing techniques, though the bandhas do often get grouped with pranayama. It definitely falls under into "if you know it," category though.  READ NOW Featured Articles • 5 Healthy and Easy Ways to Prepare Bok Choy • Find Out Why Your Knee Is Making a Popping or Snapping Sound • 10 Things to Stop Doing if You Want to Live Longer • Drinking Can Impair Nutrient Digestion and Utilization • Over-the-Counter Medications for Heartburn Relief • Do Migraines Make Me Susceptible to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? • 3 Quick and Simple Home Workouts to Get Tight Arms, Legs and Abs • Can Protein Powder Help with Weight Loss? Advertisement About Yoga  |  Follow Us You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Yoga newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2015 About.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.