Stages of Breathing in Pranayama
When you do a Pranayama exercise, you are guided through four distinct stages of breathing, which together complete one breath cycle.
Stage One: Inhalation
This is the process of inhaling. Draw air into your body smoothly and consistently. Make sure you are breathing in from your core where the oxygen is rich. IF you inhale from your chest, you will notice the quality of oxygen is weaker. In yoga terms, this stage is called Puraka.
Stage Two: Full Pause – The first retention
This is deliberate retention of air in the lungs. At this stage, you retain the oxygen from your inhale. You must keep your body still without moving any muscles. The length of the pause depends much on the oxygen available in your circulatory system. It will require practice. In Yoga, this stage is called Kumbhaka.
Stage Three: Exhalation
This is one of the most important stages. Your exhale should be a slow and smooth exhale. Your muscles should return to a relaxed state. It’s important that your exhale feel as if you are quieting your body. In yoga, this stage is called Rechaka.
Stage Four: Empty Pause – The Second Retention
This pause is again, deliberate. Your muscles should stay relaxed as you rest in this empty pause before you begin the cycle again with an inhale. In yoga, this stage is called Bahya Kumbhaka
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