What Are the Six Types of Breathing Exercises With Ramdev Yoga?

Pranayama, which is the Sanksrit term for breathing techniques, has been an integral part of yoga practice for centuries. Swami Ramdev, an Indian guru, teaches a variety of breath techniques to his followers in India and throughout the world. Although pranayama was once only practiced under the guidance of a guru, Ramdev believes that it can be practiced by anyone to improve health.

  1. Bhastrika Pranayama

    • To perform the breathing exercise Bhastrika pranayama, sit in a comfortable position. Take a deep breath in through the nostrils, filling your lungs. Exhale slowly. Continue to take deep breaths and exhale at a rhythmic pace. Practice this technique between two and five minutes. Some benefits of Bhastrika pranayama may include help with stomach problems, obesity and constipation.

    Kapalabhati Pranayama

    • Perform the breathing technique Kapalabhati pranayama by filling your stomach with air by taking a deep breath and forcing it out with a quick movement. Begin by practicing this technique for one minute and build up to 10 minutes. Kapalabhati pranayama may benefit constipation, acidity, asthma and snoring.

    Bahaya Pranayama

    • To perform the breathing technique Bahaya pranayama, exhale and bring your chin to your chest. Squeeze your stomach inward and hold for 15 seconds. Raise your head as you inhale. Repeat the process three times. Advanced practitioners can repeat the process as many as 21 times. Individuals with heart problems or hypertension should not practice this technique. Some benefits of Bahaya pranayama may include help with urinary, prostate and stomach issues.

    Anulom Vilom Pranayama

    • To perform the breathing technique Anulom Vilom pranayama, block the right nostril with your thumb so you inhale through your left nostril. Hold the breath, release your right nostril and block the left nostril with your middle finger. Exhale through your right nostril. Block your right nostril and inhale. Exhale through left nostril. Repeat the process for minimum of 10 minutes. Anulom Vilom pranayama may benefit high blood pressure, arthritis and migraines.

    Bhramari Pranayama

    • To practice Bhramari pranayama, use your thumbs to close your ears and place your index fingers on your forehead. Position the remaining three fingers from each hand on the base of your nose gently touching your eyes. Inhale slowly through the nose while keeping your mouth shut. Exhale through your nose while humming. Repeat between five and 11 times. This pranayama may benefit hypertension, concentration and high blood pressure.

    Udgeeth Pranayama

    • Practice Udgeeth pranayama by inhaling slowly. Exhale slowly through the mouth while chanting “Om.” Perform Udgeeth pranayam for a minimum of 10 minutes. Udgeeth pranayama may improve your sleep quality.

    Warnings and Considerations

    • Avoid using these breath techniques in lieu of medical advice. Speak to your doctor about any health concerns or advice before practicing these breathing techniques.