DANCE TO RAISE SPIRIT

Used to calm the nervous system, 2:1 breathing involves making the exhale twice as long as the inhale. This breathing practice can be done on its own, within a yoga practice or in preparation for meditation. 

Sometimes referred to as "yogic coffee," this pranayama involves rapidly and forcefully inhaling and exhaling the breath through the nose in rounds of 10-100 with a slow inhale, retention and slow exhale in between cycles. 

Named for the black Indain bee called a Brahmari, this technique involves making a high-pitched tone while exhaling and using the index fingers to close the ear by pressing on the cartilage between the cheek and the ear. 

Translated as sun-piercing breath, inhale through the right nostril and exhale left. This breath is meant to create heat, stimulating mental and emotional activity, clearing for inspiration, and energzing for progress. 

Often practiced at the beginning of a yoga class to calm and centre, dirga pranayama involves bringing attention to the breath by inhaling into the belly, then ribs, and then the upper chest, and exhaling in reverse order.

From the sanskrit word sheet, meaning "cold" or "frigid," this technique involves curling the tongue to make a u-shape and inhaling through the moistened tongue. The mouth is closed before exhalation. 

The left nostril is energetically associated with our body's cooling energy and symbolized by the moon. Block the right nostril and inhale through the left, and then close the left and exhale right.  Continue for 1-3 minutes. 

Also known as ocean breath, Ujjayi breath involves constricting the throat while exhaling, creating a soft sound like ocean waves. This breathing practice generally accompanies vinyasa, but may be done on its own. 

Nadi means "channel" and shodhana means "purification."  This breathing technique involves alternating the inhale and exhale through the right and left nostril in a particular pattern.

Also known as box, square or 4 x 4 breathing, Samavritti, meaning equal movement, involves inhaling, retaining or holding the breath, exhaling and externally retaining or holding empty in four equal blocks of time. 

From kapala meaning skull and bhati meaning light, this technique is said to purify, rejuvenate and invigorate the mind and body through a steady repetition of active exhalations and passive inhalations.