Pranayama is an aspect of Yoga that deals with breathing. It is the breathing process or the control of the motion of inhalation, exhalation and the retention of vital energy. Proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control Prana or the vital life energy.
"Agni" connotes 'fire' in Sanskrit. In this pranayama the internal fire is stirred up, thus increasing the body heat.
In this pranayama, you breathe in and out through alternate nostrils. Hence the name.
"Bhramar" means 'bee' in Sanskrit. In this pranayama a humming sound is produced while breathing just like a bee.
"Bhastrika" refers to 'bellows' in Sanskrit. Air is drawn in and out of the abdomen just as a blacksmith uses his bellows.
"Dirgha" connotes 'long' in Sanskrit. This
pranayama involves a long and deep breath which fills all the three
chambers of the lungs.
"Kapal" means 'skull' and "bhati" means 'shine' in
Sanskrit. This pranayama cleanses the respiratory system, particularly
the nasal passages in the skull.
In Sanskrit, "Moorcha" means 'fainting' or
'swooning'. This pranayama involves slow inhalation and retention of air
for a long period.
"Sheetal" means 'cool' in Sanskrit. This pranayama has a cool effect on the body by lowering the body temperature.
Sheetkari breathing has a cooling effect on your body.
In this pranayama, inhalation is done only through the right nostril.
The word "Ujjayi" means 'victorious' in Sanskrit.
