Pranayama | Breathing Practices

In Yoga, our life energy, or our vital energy, is known as prana. In many Yoga classes, prana is often referred to as breath. Ancient Yogic texts note that the breath is one manifestation of prana. Prana is further defined as the principle of life and consciousness, the breath of life of all beings, and the primary source of nourishment to our systems [1].

Pranayama is one of the 8 Limbs of Yoga; it is a means to stretch or prolong one’s prana, or breath control. Pranayama is the extension of our vital energy and it moves this energy throughout the body. On a practical level, pranayama is a form of conscious breathing used to increase, regulate, and channel the flow of prana. Therapeutically, pranayama practices can relax, invigorate, or balance the mind.

Below are resources that I created from the teachings of Sir TKV Desikachar.

Guided Audio Practices

Below are breathing practices that I recorded while working at the University of Washington Center for Child & Family Well-being.
This practice helps you become familiar with your breath’s patterns, which can be an anchor for awareness.
This breathing practice invites you to pause and connect with your internal wisdom.

Downloadables for Children

​Bee Breath is a fun way to focus on yourself and feel relaxed.
Want to feel full of peace? Then Peace Breath is an excellent practice - and it's lots of fun to learn words in a new language!

Downloadables for Youth & Adults

This breathing exercise promotes focus and relaxation by extending the length of the exhale.
This breathing practice promotes focus and relaxation by doubling the length of the exhale to the inhale.
Chandra bhedana is calming and cooling breathing practice. 
This breathing practice balances the mind and clears blocked energy.