Yoga Breathing (Pranayama) - Patterns of Rest

Written by: ljpasion

Pranayama is one of the Five Principles of Yoga. It literally means "control of breath". Pranayama is a set of different exercises involving the control of one's breath based on the four Stages of Breathing, particularly the two pause stages.

Yogis tend to prolong the pause between exhaling and inhaling (and vice versa) because they believe that doing so can have special physical and mental benefits. Based on these Patterns of Rest between inhalation and exhalation, we can distinguish the Five Types of Breathing Cycles:

1. Involuntary pausing after inhaling or exhaling;
2. Intentional termination of movement after a full inhalation;
3. Stoppage caused by special exertion after thorough exhalation;
4. Intentionally stopping inhalation at any time; and
5. Voluntarily stopping exhalation at any time

But why do we need to control our breath?

Yogis believe that the breath and the mind are interdependent entities. That is, if one's breath is under control, then so is his mind. Our state of mind is very important because our emotions, reactions, and everything else that is needed to live a productive life depends on it. The practice of Pranayama partly aims to bring the mind to a state of peace, which is essential to living a good life.

Preparing for a pause in breathing requires doing several rounds of inhalation and exhalation in advance. This exercise will allow you to hold the pause longer, and will reduce the effort needed in inducing such a pause. This is because the length of the pause depends much on the oxygen available in your circulatory system, and this exercise lets you stock up on oxygen.

As you slowly begin to master the art of breath control, you will find that you can induce the pause almost anytime you want to. This, coupled with enough knowledge of the different Yoga Postures, is the start of your enjoyment of the rewards of Yoga. However, you must always be dedicated to the practice of Breathing Exercises. Mastery of these activities, together with some adjustments made for your personal needs, is the key to developing your own relaxation program.


Take time to explore the different exercises in Pranayama. Of course, if you are a beginner, start with the beginner exercises then move on to the advanced ones. Try to see the benefit of these exercises on your health as well as on your mind.

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