Yoga Breathing for Beginners

Just as breathing is essential to life, it is essential to the practice of yoga. Pranayama or controlled breathing plays a major role in yoga and is the root of all asanas. The stages of yoga breathing are inhalation (puraka), exhalation (rechaka) and holding of breath (kumbhaka). There is a specific ratio that should be followed when practicing this form of breathing and it is 1:4:2. For every second of inhalation there should be four seconds of holding and exhalation should occur within two seconds.
There are great breathing exercises appropriate for beginners. All of these exercises should be done while you are sitting upright on a mat or chair.
Concetrating on Your Breathing (Sukha Pranayama)

• Keep your hands on your knees (gyan mudra)
• Focus on your breathing for one minute
• Make a gap for ten to twenty seconds
• Do this pattern for five minutes

This exercise is great for clearing your mind because it makes you focus entirely on your breathing. It will make your nervous system more efficient and can erase stress and hypertension.
Bee Breathing (Bhramari)

• Inhale through the nose slowly
• Your inhalations should touch the throat
• Close your eyes and plug your ears with your fingers
• Exhale slowly and this should produce a humming sound

This practice sounds like buzzing bee, hence the name. It will strengthen both the heart and lungs. The practice also makes the vocal cords more efficient and is of great benefit to pregnant woman.
Pressing Your Teeth

• The sides of your tongue should be pressing against your teeth
• Purse your lips and inhale as if you are sipping the air
• Exhale

This exercise cools the mouth and upper respiratory system. It can also regulate blood pressure and calm the nervous system.
Breathing is the core of life. Yoga exercises that help us concentrate on breath instead of the things that are troubling us can help reduce stress and relax our bodies. There are many benefits for the mind and body that can be obtained by practicing yoga breathing on a regular basis. Learning the breathing techniques is a great way to begin your yoga practice.