Ujjayi Pranayama - Conqueror Breath
(oo-jy [rhymes with "pie"]-ee)
ujjayi = to conquer, to be victorious
Step by Step
1) Ujjayi is especially known for the soft hissing sound the breather makes by directing her inhales and exhales over the back of her throat. To learn how, try this.
2) Inhale through your nose, then exhale slowly through a wide-open mouth. Direct the out-going breath slowly across the back of your throat with a drawn-out HA sound. Repeat several times, then close your mouth. Now, as you both inhale and exhale through your nose, direct the breath again slowly across the back of your throat. Ideally, this will create, and you should hear, a soft hissing sound.
3) This sound, called ajapa mantra (pronounced ah-JOP-ah mahn-trah, the "unspoken mantra"), serves three purposes: it helps to slow the breath down (which is exactly what we want for Ujjayi), to focus awareness on the breath and prevent your min "wandering," and to regulate, by continually monitoring and adjusting the evenness of the sound, the smooth flow of breath (another important element of Ujjayi).
4) Start with 5 to 8 minutes of practice, gradually increase your time to 10 to 15 minutes. When finished return to normal breathing for a minute or two, then lie down in Shavasana (Corpse Pose) for a few minutes.
5) Ujjayi is the foundation of many other techniques listed on this site; e.g., ratio breathing, svara yoga, digital pranayama, retention along with the two bandhas. Note that Ajapa Mantra isn't used when performing digital pranayama.
Source : yogajournal.com
(oo-jy [rhymes with "pie"]-ee)
ujjayi = to conquer, to be victorious
Step by Step
1) Ujjayi is especially known for the soft hissing sound the breather makes by directing her inhales and exhales over the back of her throat. To learn how, try this.
2) Inhale through your nose, then exhale slowly through a wide-open mouth. Direct the out-going breath slowly across the back of your throat with a drawn-out HA sound. Repeat several times, then close your mouth. Now, as you both inhale and exhale through your nose, direct the breath again slowly across the back of your throat. Ideally, this will create, and you should hear, a soft hissing sound.
3) This sound, called ajapa mantra (pronounced ah-JOP-ah mahn-trah, the "unspoken mantra"), serves three purposes: it helps to slow the breath down (which is exactly what we want for Ujjayi), to focus awareness on the breath and prevent your min "wandering," and to regulate, by continually monitoring and adjusting the evenness of the sound, the smooth flow of breath (another important element of Ujjayi).
4) Start with 5 to 8 minutes of practice, gradually increase your time to 10 to 15 minutes. When finished return to normal breathing for a minute or two, then lie down in Shavasana (Corpse Pose) for a few minutes.
5) Ujjayi is the foundation of many other techniques listed on this site; e.g., ratio breathing, svara yoga, digital pranayama, retention along with the two bandhas. Note that Ajapa Mantra isn't used when performing digital pranayama.
Source : yogajournal.com
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama - Channel Cleaning Breath
(nah-dee show-DAH-nah)
nadi = channel
shodhana = cleaning, purifying
Step by Step
1) Sit in a comfortable asana and make Mrigi Mudra. Beginning pranayama students may have some difficulty holding their raised arm in position for the length of the practice. You can put a bolster across your legs and use it to support your elbow.
2) Gently close your right nostril with your thumb. Inhale through your left nostril, then close it with your ring-little fingers. Open and exhale slowly through the right nostril.
3) Keep the right nostril open, inhale, then close it, and open and exhale slowly through the left. This is one cycle. Repeat 3 to 5 times, then release the hand mudra and go back to normal breathing. (NOTE: some yoga schools begin this sequence by first closing the left nostril and inhaling through the right; this order is prescribed in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, 2.7-10).
4) Traditionally Nadi Shodhana includes breath retention, fixed ratio breathing, and the repetition of certain "seed" mantras (cf. Gheranda Samhita 5.38-54). For beginning pranayama students, it's best to focus only on the inhales and exhales.
Source : yogajournal.com
(nah-dee show-DAH-nah)
nadi = channel
shodhana = cleaning, purifying
Step by Step
1) Sit in a comfortable asana and make Mrigi Mudra. Beginning pranayama students may have some difficulty holding their raised arm in position for the length of the practice. You can put a bolster across your legs and use it to support your elbow.
2) Gently close your right nostril with your thumb. Inhale through your left nostril, then close it with your ring-little fingers. Open and exhale slowly through the right nostril.
3) Keep the right nostril open, inhale, then close it, and open and exhale slowly through the left. This is one cycle. Repeat 3 to 5 times, then release the hand mudra and go back to normal breathing. (NOTE: some yoga schools begin this sequence by first closing the left nostril and inhaling through the right; this order is prescribed in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, 2.7-10).
4) Traditionally Nadi Shodhana includes breath retention, fixed ratio breathing, and the repetition of certain "seed" mantras (cf. Gheranda Samhita 5.38-54). For beginning pranayama students, it's best to focus only on the inhales and exhales.
Source : yogajournal.com
Kumbhaka Pranayama : Breath Retention
kuhm-BAH-kah)
kumbha = pot (a traditional image of the human torso as a container for the breath with two "openings" at the throat and base of the pelvis)
antara (ahn-TAH-rah) = interior
bahya (BAH-yah) = outer
Step by Step
1) Antara Kumbhaka requires the application of both Jalandhara and Mula Bandhas; in addition the rib case gently "hugs" the lungs.
2) Establish Sama Vritti Ujjayi (and for this example, the vritti count is 6 OMs). To begin, apply the two bandhas as you near the end of your inhale, and retain the breath for 2 OMs, no more. Gently squeeze the ribs against the expanded lungs. Then exhale, concurrently releasing Mula Bandha and, when finished, raise your head to neutral. DON'T perform Kumbhaka on successive breaths; take 2 to 3 Ujjayi breaths before the next retention.
3) In general your first Kumbhakas should be one-third to one-half the length of your Sama Vritti count. Practice at this level until you're completely comfortable, which may take several weeks or longer.
4) Then gradually reduce the number of Ujjayis between Kumbhakas until you can comfortably retain your breath for 2 OMs on successive inhales for about 5 minutes. Next increase your Kumbhaka to 3 OMs, but again separate them by 2 to 3 Ujjayis. Again gradually reduce the Ujjayis until you can comfortably retain for 3 OMs on successive inhales for 5 minutes.
5) Proceed methodically until your Kumbhaka count matches your Sama Vritti count. Now STOP. Don't go any further without direct guidance from an experienced teacher.
Source : yogajournal.com
kuhm-BAH-kah)
kumbha = pot (a traditional image of the human torso as a container for the breath with two "openings" at the throat and base of the pelvis)
antara (ahn-TAH-rah) = interior
bahya (BAH-yah) = outer
Step by Step
1) Antara Kumbhaka requires the application of both Jalandhara and Mula Bandhas; in addition the rib case gently "hugs" the lungs.
2) Establish Sama Vritti Ujjayi (and for this example, the vritti count is 6 OMs). To begin, apply the two bandhas as you near the end of your inhale, and retain the breath for 2 OMs, no more. Gently squeeze the ribs against the expanded lungs. Then exhale, concurrently releasing Mula Bandha and, when finished, raise your head to neutral. DON'T perform Kumbhaka on successive breaths; take 2 to 3 Ujjayi breaths before the next retention.
3) In general your first Kumbhakas should be one-third to one-half the length of your Sama Vritti count. Practice at this level until you're completely comfortable, which may take several weeks or longer.
4) Then gradually reduce the number of Ujjayis between Kumbhakas until you can comfortably retain your breath for 2 OMs on successive inhales for about 5 minutes. Next increase your Kumbhaka to 3 OMs, but again separate them by 2 to 3 Ujjayis. Again gradually reduce the Ujjayis until you can comfortably retain for 3 OMs on successive inhales for 5 minutes.
5) Proceed methodically until your Kumbhaka count matches your Sama Vritti count. Now STOP. Don't go any further without direct guidance from an experienced teacher.
Source : yogajournal.com
BACKBENDS
Backbends are thought of as poses that open our awareness to the outside world. While the front of the body is being stretched in backbends, (specifically the thighs, front groins, belly, chest and armpits), our attention should continually be focused on the back torso. As you come into a backbend, lift the pubic bone toward the navel and rotate the thighs strongly inward. Keep the buttocks firm (but not tight or squeezed) and keep the tailbone pressed forward, which helps keep the lower back long and protect it from compression.
BACKBEND SEQUENCE (Total time 40 to 50 minutes)
1. Virasana (Hero Pose)
Clasp your hands, stretch the arms straight out in front of you, with the palms facing away from you. Then inhale and stretch the arms up alongside the ears. Hold for one minute. Release, reverse the clasp of the hands (do the non-habitual clasp) and again raise your arms for one minute. Release on an exhalation. (Total time two minutes) .
2. Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose)
(Total time two to three minutes).
3. Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)
For one to two minutes on each side (Total time two to four minutes) .
4. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)
(Total time one minute).
5. Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand)
Perform this pose very close to the wall. Once you have kicked up, press the buttocks and the backs of the legs into the wall, and lift the chest away from the wall. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then press through the arms and reach through heels into the full pose for 30 seconds. (Total time one minute) .
6. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
(Total time one minute). Then step your feet apart for:
7. Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
Move into the pose, then walk the bottom hand a few inches behind you so that you have space to come into a backbend in the upper-back. Hold each side for one minute. (Total time two minutes) .
8. Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)
One minute on each side (Total time two minutes) .
9. Purvottanasana (Side Stretch Pose)
Repeat three times, holding for 30 seconds to one minute each time. (Total time two to three minutes) .
10. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Repeat three times, holding for 30 seconds to one minute each time. (Total time two to three minutes) .
11. Salabhasana (Locust Pose)
Repeat three times, holding for 30 seconds to one minute each time. (Total time two to three minutes) .
12. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
(Total time one minute).
13. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
(Total time one minute).
14. Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow)
Repeat three to five times, holding for 15 to 30 seconds each time. (Total time one to three minutes) .
15. Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand)
Hold for three to five minutes, then drop to:
16. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
(Total time one minute).
17. Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
(Total time 30 seconds to one minute).
18. Marichyasana III (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi)
Twist to each side three times, holding each twist for 30 seconds. (Total time three minutes) .
19. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
(Total time 10 minutes).
Source : yogajournal.com
Backbends are thought of as poses that open our awareness to the outside world. While the front of the body is being stretched in backbends, (specifically the thighs, front groins, belly, chest and armpits), our attention should continually be focused on the back torso. As you come into a backbend, lift the pubic bone toward the navel and rotate the thighs strongly inward. Keep the buttocks firm (but not tight or squeezed) and keep the tailbone pressed forward, which helps keep the lower back long and protect it from compression.
BACKBEND SEQUENCE (Total time 40 to 50 minutes)
1. Virasana (Hero Pose)
Clasp your hands, stretch the arms straight out in front of you, with the palms facing away from you. Then inhale and stretch the arms up alongside the ears. Hold for one minute. Release, reverse the clasp of the hands (do the non-habitual clasp) and again raise your arms for one minute. Release on an exhalation. (Total time two minutes) .
2. Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose)
(Total time two to three minutes).
3. Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)
For one to two minutes on each side (Total time two to four minutes) .
4. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)
(Total time one minute).
5. Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand)
Perform this pose very close to the wall. Once you have kicked up, press the buttocks and the backs of the legs into the wall, and lift the chest away from the wall. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then press through the arms and reach through heels into the full pose for 30 seconds. (Total time one minute) .
6. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
(Total time one minute). Then step your feet apart for:
7. Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
Move into the pose, then walk the bottom hand a few inches behind you so that you have space to come into a backbend in the upper-back. Hold each side for one minute. (Total time two minutes) .
8. Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)
One minute on each side (Total time two minutes) .
9. Purvottanasana (Side Stretch Pose)
Repeat three times, holding for 30 seconds to one minute each time. (Total time two to three minutes) .
10. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Repeat three times, holding for 30 seconds to one minute each time. (Total time two to three minutes) .
11. Salabhasana (Locust Pose)
Repeat three times, holding for 30 seconds to one minute each time. (Total time two to three minutes) .
12. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
(Total time one minute).
13. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
(Total time one minute).
14. Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow)
Repeat three to five times, holding for 15 to 30 seconds each time. (Total time one to three minutes) .
15. Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand)
Hold for three to five minutes, then drop to:
16. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
(Total time one minute).
17. Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
(Total time 30 seconds to one minute).
18. Marichyasana III (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi)
Twist to each side three times, holding each twist for 30 seconds. (Total time three minutes) .
19. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
(Total time 10 minutes).
Source : yogajournal.com
FORWARD BENDS
Forward bends are typically thought of as poses that direct our awareness away from the outside world and toward the inner world. While the back of the body is being stretched in forward bends, particularly the backs of the legs, our attention should continually be focused on the front torso. Always tip into a forward bend from the groins, being sure to maintain the length of the front torso, especially the lower belly between the pubic bone (the front bottom of the pelvis) and the navel. As soon as you begin to feel this area shorten, you should stop the forward movement, lift out of the pose slightly, reestablish the length of the lower belly, and then try to bend forward again.
FORWARD BEND SEQUENCE (Total time 50 to 70 minutes)
1. Supta Padangustasana (Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose)
Hold the right leg vertical for one to two minutes, then open the leg out to the side, resting the outer thigh on a block for the same length of time. Repeat with the left leg for the same length of time. (Total time two to four minutes) .
2. Dandasana (Staff Pose)
Hold for one minute, then lean back and, with an exhalation, draw the legs into:
3. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)
Hold for one minute, then as you inhale, lightly extend the legs back into Dandasana. (Total time for steps two and three: two minutes) .
4. Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-knee Pose)
Hold for two to three minutes on a side. (Total time four to six minutes) .
5. Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana (Half-Bound Half-Lotus Forward Bend)
Hold for two to three minutes on each side. (Total time four to six minutes) .
6. Trianga Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana (Three-Limbed Forward Bend)
Hold for two to three minutes on each side. (Total time four to six minutes) .
7. Krounchasana (Heron Pose)
Hold for one to two minutes on each side. (Total time four to six minutes) .
8. Marichyasana I (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi)
Hold for one to two minutes on each side. (Total time four to six minutes) .
9. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
(Total time two to three minutes).
10. Upavistha Konasana (Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend)
First twist to the right for one minute, then to the left for the same length of time. Return to center and fold forward for two minutes. (Total time four minutes) .
11. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
(Total time one minute).
12. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
(Total time one to two minutes).
13. Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose)
For one minute on each side. (Total time two minutes) .
14. Utthita Parsvottanasana (Extended Side Stretch Pose)
Place the hands on the floor on either side of the front foot. Hold for one minute on each side. (Total time two minutes) .
15. Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend)
(Total time one to two minutes).
16. Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand)
(Total time three to five minutes).
17. Halasana (Plow Pose)
(Total time one to three minutes).
18. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
(Total time 10 minutes).
Source : yogajournal.com
Forward bends are typically thought of as poses that direct our awareness away from the outside world and toward the inner world. While the back of the body is being stretched in forward bends, particularly the backs of the legs, our attention should continually be focused on the front torso. Always tip into a forward bend from the groins, being sure to maintain the length of the front torso, especially the lower belly between the pubic bone (the front bottom of the pelvis) and the navel. As soon as you begin to feel this area shorten, you should stop the forward movement, lift out of the pose slightly, reestablish the length of the lower belly, and then try to bend forward again.
FORWARD BEND SEQUENCE (Total time 50 to 70 minutes)
1. Supta Padangustasana (Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose)
Hold the right leg vertical for one to two minutes, then open the leg out to the side, resting the outer thigh on a block for the same length of time. Repeat with the left leg for the same length of time. (Total time two to four minutes) .
2. Dandasana (Staff Pose)
Hold for one minute, then lean back and, with an exhalation, draw the legs into:
3. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)
Hold for one minute, then as you inhale, lightly extend the legs back into Dandasana. (Total time for steps two and three: two minutes) .
4. Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-knee Pose)
Hold for two to three minutes on a side. (Total time four to six minutes) .
5. Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana (Half-Bound Half-Lotus Forward Bend)
Hold for two to three minutes on each side. (Total time four to six minutes) .
6. Trianga Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana (Three-Limbed Forward Bend)
Hold for two to three minutes on each side. (Total time four to six minutes) .
7. Krounchasana (Heron Pose)
Hold for one to two minutes on each side. (Total time four to six minutes) .
8. Marichyasana I (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi)
Hold for one to two minutes on each side. (Total time four to six minutes) .
9. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
(Total time two to three minutes).
10. Upavistha Konasana (Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend)
First twist to the right for one minute, then to the left for the same length of time. Return to center and fold forward for two minutes. (Total time four minutes) .
11. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
(Total time one minute).
12. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
(Total time one to two minutes).
13. Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose)
For one minute on each side. (Total time two minutes) .
14. Utthita Parsvottanasana (Extended Side Stretch Pose)
Place the hands on the floor on either side of the front foot. Hold for one minute on each side. (Total time two minutes) .
15. Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend)
(Total time one to two minutes).
16. Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand)
(Total time three to five minutes).
17. Halasana (Plow Pose)
(Total time one to three minutes).
18. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
(Total time 10 minutes).
Source : yogajournal.com
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