/ Breathwork
Reading Time: 11 minutes
Symmetry and balance are essential elements of life and core tenets of Kundalini Yoga. When we bring our breath into balance we are able to cleanse our body and minds deeply, releasing karma of many lifetimes held up within our energy.
This classical pranayam draws on this idea in order to balance the prana and the apana to restore the flow around the body and cleanse the mind and soul.
Benefits of this Breathwork
- Balances anxious thoughts
- Supports the body’s organs
- Cleanses the mind and body
- Connects the conscious and subconscious
How to do this Breathwork
Before getting started on this breathwork, it is important to note that it should be undertaken on an empty stomach in order to see the best results.
Posture
Start in a seated, cross legged position such as Easy Pose, whatever feels comfortable for you and allows the breath to flow and fill the lungs.
Mudra
Bring the right hand up to the face – it will be the fingers of this hand that control the flow of air through the nostrils. Use the end of the thumb to gently block the right nostril, and either of the index finger or the middle finger can be used to block the left nostril.
Eyes
The eyes should be open around one tenth, gently rolled upwards towards the Brow Point to enhance focus. Ensure the whole face is relaxed so that the breath can flow freely and the eyelids are stationary.
Breath
Count your breaths as follows:
- Inhale for one count
- Hold for four counts
- Exhale for two counts
- Inhale through left nostril for one count
- Hold for four counts
- Exhale through the right nostril for two counts
- Inhale through the right nostril for one count
- Hold for four counts
- Exhale through the left nostril for two counts
Mantra
This pranayama can be done with or without mantra, but mantra can help to keep the rhythm of the breaths without having to explicitly count the seconds that pass.
Feel free to choose a mantra that fits your specific preferences, but the “Sa Ta Na Ma” mantra works particularly well for the rhythm of this breathwork. Using the “Sa Ta Na Ma” you would inhale for one cycle, hold for four cycles, and exhale for two cycles of the mantra.
Visualization
While concentrating on the breathwork patterns, it is also important to visualize the prana as it enters and then leaves the body.
As you inhale, picture the light of the breath entering the body, pushing down the side of the spine in line with the nostril used. While you hold the breath in, imagine it pulsating and swirling powerfully at the base of the spine, with the light growing in heat and intensity.
As you exhale, visualize it sweeping back up the opposite side of the spine to the outward nostril.
To End
The timing of this meditation can be tailored to your needs, but anywhere between 15 minutes and 62 minutes is appropriate. When you come to the end of your time, take a few minutes to breathe and meditate deeply.
Conclusion
This powerful breathwork to balance the prana and apana can be adapted to meet your needs, but it is an essential skill in the Kundalini Yoga student’s toolkit.
See more: Breathing Patterns and Emotional States — How Are They Connected?
