30 Jun
Well-Being, Yoga, Yoga Off The Mat

What is Pranayama: The Fourth Limb of Ashtanga Yoga

The fourth limb, Pranayama, is often translated as “breath control” but carries a deeper significance. The term is derived from two Sanskrit words: “prana,” meaning life force or vital energy, and “ayama,” meaning expansion or control. Pranayama, therefore, refers to the regulation and expansion of the life force through deliberate breathing techniques. In traditional yogic philosophy, there is a belief that one’s lifespan is measured in breaths.

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18 Apr
Well-Being, Yoga

Victorious Breath: A Guide to Ujjayi Pranayama in Yoga

Part of the ancient practice of yoga is Pranayama, also known as “breath control”. However, pranayama is really much more than that. A more exact translation is “controlling the life force or life energy”. Prana is our life energy – in the form of the breath – which we can learn to control with certain breathwork exercises. One of the most common forms of pranayama in yoga is the so called Ujjayi Pranayama.

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31 Jan
Well-Being, Yoga, Yoga Off The Mat

Breathing Life into Your Practice with Pranayama: The Art of Conscious Breathwork

There are various pranayama techniques, each serving unique purposes. Ujjayi breath, for example, creates a soothing oceanic sound, promoting concentration and warmth. Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, seeks to balance the body’s energy channels, fostering harmony and mental clarity. Kapalabhati, often referred to as “skull-shining breath,” is an invigorating technique that involves forceful exhales through the nose to cleanse and energize the body.

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