In the beginning, Ujjāyī is experienced more as a sound.
As we refine its relationship with the breath, through
increasing the Length and deepening the Subtlety,
Ujjāyī is felt more as a sensation within the body
and less as a sound and vibration in the throat.
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
When using Mṛgi Mudrā in Nāḍī Śodhana
the control should not be at the nose.
The fingers are a guide more than a valve.
Thus you should not bend the nose.
The main control for the Inhale and for
the Exhale is in the chest not the fingers.
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
When choosing techniques for control, whether
it’s Lips, Tongue, Throat, Nostril or Nostrils,
there needs to be a relationship between the
ratio you use and the technique you choose.
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
Bhastrikā is Kapālabhāti plus finger control with Mṛgi Mudrā.
There are several practice combinations around Bhastrikā:
1. Inhale Left Nostril, Exhale Left Nostril continuously
2. Inhale Right Nostril, Exhale Right Nostril continuously
3. Inhale Left Nostril, Exhale Right Nostril continuously
4. Inhale Right Nostril, Exhale Left Nostril continuously
5. Inhale Left Nostril, Exhale Right Nostril and
Inhale Right Nostril, Exhale Left Nostril continuously
However, the student needs to be proficient in the
practice of Kapālabhāti before introducing Bhastrikā.
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
One aspect in the refinement of Nāḍī Śodhana
is an almost undetectable deftness within
the finger movement when using Mṛgi Mudrā,
whilst keeping them permanently on the nostrils.
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
To help facilitate the characteristics
inherent within a particular ratio,
the mental counting needs to be
stronger than the mental mood.
Link to Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
When beginning and throughout the Pūraka,
draw the spine upwards from the top down.
When beginning and throughout the Recaka,
draw the lower abdomen back towards the spine.
Link to Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
Pratiloma Ujjāyī is both an elegant and eloquent Prāṇāyāma technique.
Link to Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
When using Mṛgi Mudrā to control the nostril flow in Prāṇāyāma,
the ring finger and thumb remain as if glued onto the nostrils,
with one nostril being fully closed and one nostril partially closed,
with adjustments to the pressure according to technique and ratio.
Even when using Ujjāyī within techniques such as Anuloma Ujjāyī,
the finger and thumb remain as if sealed on the sides of the nostrils.
Externally it’s as if there is nothing to observe in terms of the body.
Internally there is a vibrant flow within the dynamics of the breath.
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
When using the Antar Kumbhaka to lengthen the breath,
always factor in its effect on the length of the exhale.
It should be able to stay the same length and quality.
If it is affected, change the length of the Kumbhaka,
rather than compromising the flow of the breath.
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
One aspect in the refinement of Nāḍī Śodhana is
the experience of the breath as a subtle vibration
rather than an audible sound.
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
Explore the Antar Kumbhaka with a soft holding.
Explore the Bāhya Kumbhaka with a firm surrender.
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
Prāṇāyāma as a Tool in the Morning,
– Can be a Means to Hone the Mind.
Prāṇāyāma as a Tool in the Afternoon,
– Can be a Means to Refresh the Mind.
Prāṇāyāma as a Tool in the Evening,
– Can be a Means to Clear the Mind.
Prāṇāyāma as a Tool in the Night,
– Can be a Means to Settle the Mind.
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
Pratiloma Ujjāyī is
a gentle and gracious
Prāṇāyāma technique.
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
Link to Posts Series: 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
Prāṇāyāma Pointer 1 – The Breath is a mirror
The movement of the breath is a
mirror to the movement of the mind.
– Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā Chapter Two verse 2
– 108 Prāṇāyāma Practice Pointers
