Poses

Pranayama Poses

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  Kumbhaka Pranayama (Breath Retention)

  Kumbhaka is the central practice of traditional Hatha pranayama; there are two types of retention: after an inhale (antara), and after an exhale (bahya)

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  Ujjayi Pranayama (Conqueror Breath)

  Ujjayi is the "springboard" for all other formal pranayamas

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  Simhasana (Lion Pose)

  In this seated pose, you can kneel on a folded blanket to pad the knees, shins, ankles, and the tops of the feet.

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  Kapalabhati Pranayama (Skull Brightener Breath)

  Kapalabhati is a traditional internal cleansing technique (kriya), and can be used as a simple warm-up for formal pranayama

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  Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Channel Cleaning Breath)

  Sometimes considered a preparation for pranayama, other times a formal practice in itself.

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  Mrigi Mudra (Deer Seal)

  A traditional hand seal or gesture used for controlled pranayama.

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  Surya Bhedana Pranayama (Single Nostril Breath)

  There are two versions of Single Nostril Pranayama: Surya Bhedana (Sun Piercing) and Chandra Bhedana (Moon Piercing)

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  Svara Yoga Pranayama (Yoga of Sound Breath)

  Svara Yoga is outlined in a somewhat obscure traditional text.