Bhramari Prāṇāyāma, also called the Bee Breath, is a sound-based breathing practice in which the exhalation is accompanied by a gentle humming sound. The term Bhrāmari comes from the Sanskrit word Bhramara, meaning “bee.” This vibration has a calming effect on the...

Chanting Breath is a meditative pranayama technique that combines controlled breathing with vocal sound vibration. The most common form uses the mantra OM (A-U-M), though other mantras may also be used. During practice, the inhalation is taken slowly through the nose,...

Full Yogic Breathing, also called the Three-Part Breath (Dirgha Prāṇāyāma), is a fundamental breathing technique in yoga where the inhalation and exhalation are consciously expanded to involve three regions of the torso: 1. Abdomen (diaphragmatic breathing) 2. Ribcage...

Kapalabhati is derived from two Sanskrit words — Kapāla meaning “skull” or “forehead” and Bhāti meaning “shining” or “illuminating.” Kapalabhati is a cleansing yogic breathing technique involving forceful exhalations powered by the abdominal muscles followed by...

Nāḍī Śodhana comes from two Sanskrit words — Nāḍī meaning “subtle energy channel” and Śodhana meaning “purification.” It is a yogic breathing technique where the breath is alternated between the left and right nostrils in a controlled manner. Traditionally, it is...

Śītalī comes from the Sanskrit root śīt meaning “cool” or “calm.” It is a yogic breathing technique where inhalation is drawn in through a rolled tongue (or tube-shaped tongue) and exhaled through the nose. The breath feels cool as it enters, reducing body heat and...