The Art of Breathing: Pranayama
Your breath is the bridge between your body and mind. At SAY Yoga, we teach you how to use this ancient technology to calm your nervous system, manage stress, and sharpen your focus, right here in Jayanagar.
Why does Shiva have a moon on the left side of his head? I explore the yogic symbolism of the left (cooling) and right (heating) breath channels and how you can use them to master your emotional state.
I provide a step-by-step guide to two fundamental pranayama techniques. Learn Chandra Bhedana to calm the mind and cool the body, and Surya Bhedana to energize your system and improve focus.
What do Buddhist monks and Olympic athletes have in common? They have mastered their breath. I explain how pranayama is the secret to regulating pressure and unlocking a state of flow.
From Navy SEALs using Samavritti (equal breathing) to monks generating heat with Tummo, ancient breathwork is used everywhere. Learn how to use your breath as a trigger for instant calm in modern life.
Ancient yogis observed how breath changes with emotion. I explain the biology behind this connection and guide you through Samavritti, or equal breathing, to activate your body's built-in calm switch.
Follow along with this simple but powerful 4-2-6 breathing technique. Inhaling for four, holding for two, and exhaling for six seconds can quickly recalibrate your nervous system and introduce you to pranayama.
What is the ideal breath? I explain the three golden rules of breathing: through the nose, from the diaphragm, and slow and rhythmic. Learn to breathe less, but breathe better.
Your breath is the bridge between your body and mind. I guide you through a quick test to check if you are breathing from your chest or your belly, and explain why deep, rhythmic breathing is key to safety and calm.
How long can you hold your breath? This simple test is a good indicator of your lung capacity. I explain how pranayama practices can strengthen your lungs and calm your mind.
Feeling overwhelmed? Stop scrolling and take one minute to breathe with me. This guided inhale-exhale cycle is a simple way to reset your nervous system and find a moment of peace.
About The Art of Breathing: Pranayama
Most people breathe shallowly from their chest, signaling a 'fight or flight' response that fuels anxiety. In our classes, we move beyond just 'breathing deeply.' We teach you to control the rhythm using specific techniques like Samavritti and Nadi Shodhana, turning your breath into a tool you can use before a presentation or after a long day to instantly recalibrate your nervous system.
Beyond Physical Postures
Yoga is often reduced to the physical asana, but the true 'secret' of the practice lies in the breath. Breath is the only system in your body that is both automatic and controllable, making it the perfect remote control for your emotions. When you learn to manipulate your breath, you aren't just relaxing; you are performing nervous system hacking.
The Science of Breath
Ancient yogis were keen observers. They noticed how breath patterns change with emotions—erratic in fear, fast in anger. Modern neuroscience now confirms that deep, conscious breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol and blood pressure. We teach you to stop breathing from the chest and start utilizing the diaphragm, which tells your brain that you are safe.
What You Will Learn
In our studio, we break down ancient techniques into practical steps you can use daily:
- Samavritti (Equal Breathing): A balanced inhale and exhale to stabilize your mind.
- Chandra Bhedana & Surya Bhedana: Understanding the cooling (left) and heating (right) nostril channels to manage energy levels.
- Nadi Shodhana: Alternate nostril breathing to purify the energy channels and improve focus.
Why Practice with Us?
Whether you are dealing with chronic stress, trying to improve lung capacity, or simply want to find a moment of calm in a busy city, our approach is hands-on. We don't just lecture; we practice together. You will leave with a toolkit of techniques—like the 4-2-6 breathing cycle—that you can use on your own, anywhere, anytime.
Say Yoga
Namaste, we are the team at SAY Yoga. We believe we all have a calm switch within us, and we are here to show you how to find it through the simple, powerful act of breathing. Let us move past the myths and get down to the real practice.
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