Pranayama, technique by technique
A reference library for the named classical breath techniques — mechanics, Sanskrit name and meaning, ratio and count, how each is taught today, and the conditions that make it a bad idea. New to breath practice? Start with the breathing guides first.
Start here
Pranayama Techniques: The Classical List, and What Order to Learn Them In
The classical list of named breath techniques, where each one comes from, and a realistic order to learn them in before retention enters the picture.
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Each technique, and its cautions
Nadi Shodhana
Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Full Technique Reference
Hand position, counting, the difference between nadi shodhana and anuloma viloma, and an honest read of the research on alternate-nostril breathing.
Kapalabhati
Kapalabhati (Skull-Shining Breath): How to Do It, Benefits, and Who Should Avoid It
Why kapalabhati is classed as a cleansing kriya rather than a pranayama, how to do it correctly, common mistakes, and who should not attempt it.
Ujjayi
Ujjayi Breathing: The Classical Technique and Its Modern Use in Flow Classes
The throat mechanics of ujjayi, its classical description versus its modern use as a constant audible breath in flowing classes, and how to know when it has become strain.
Bhastrika
Bhastrika (Bellows Breath): Technique, Staged Practice and Cautions
How bhastrika's forceful equal inhale-exhale differs from kapalabhati's passive-inhale pattern, a staged way to build up to it, and why it carries a substantial caution list.
Sitali & Sitkari
Sitali and Sitkari: The Cooling Breaths, Explained Honestly
The two cooling breaths side by side — tongue and teeth positions, how each is practised, and an honest look at the traditional cooling claim versus what's measurable.
Surya & Chandra Bhedana
Surya Bhedana and Chandra Bhedana: The Sun- and Moon-Piercing Breaths
The single-nostril inhalation techniques named for the sun and the moon, the traditional model behind them, and what's genuinely measurable versus what's traditional belief.
Counting ratios
How to Count Pranayama Ratios: Matra, 1:4:2 and Building Capacity Safely
What a pranayama ratio actually is, the classical matra system and 1:4:2 ratio, how it's taught today, and practical tools for counting safely as you build capacity.
Locks used with retention are covered separately — see the bandhas, and Yoga Nidra if you would rather rest than retain.