Satvik.fyi

Mind · Breath

Pranayama

12 classical breathing techniques with their Sanskrit names, rhythms, benefits, and mandatory safety notes. The tradition's one rule frames them all, the breath is never forced, and what is powerful is learned from a teacher.

  • Balancing Beginner

    Alternate Nostril Breathing

    Nāḍī Śodhana Prāṇāyāma

    The queen of prāṇāyāmas, alternate breathing through the left and right nostril to purify the channels and settle the whole system.

    • Balances vāta
    • Balances pitta
    • Balances kapha

    5–10 minutes daily

  • Calming Beginner

    Bee Breath

    Bhramarī Prāṇāyāma

    The humming bee breath, a low hum on the exhale that vibrates the head quiet; the traditional antidote to a loud mind.

    • Balances vāta
    • Balances pitta

    6–10 rounds at any time of day

  • Balancing Beginner

    Equal Breathing

    Sama-vṛtti Prāṇāyāma

    Make inhale and exhale the same quiet length, the simplest possible practice, and one of the most quietly profound.

    • Balances vāta
    • Balances pitta

    5 minutes, once or twice daily.

  • Balancing Beginner

    Interrupted Breath

    Viloma Prāṇāyāma

    Pause the inhale, sip, sip, sip; then pour the exhale out the same way; a gentle ladder that lengthens the breath without force.

    • Balances vāta

    5–6 rounds per stage, at any quiet hour.

  • Calming Beginner

    Ocean Breath

    Ujjāyī Prāṇāyāma

    The soft "ocean sound" breath, a gentle constriction at the throat that turns each breath into a slow wave, warming and steadying.

    • Balances vāta
    • Balances pitta

    A few minutes inside āsana practice, or 8–12 rounds seated on its own.

  • Calming Beginner

    Three-Part Breath

    Dīrgha Prāṇāyāma

    The full yogic breath, belly, ribs, chest; the foundational practice that teaches where the breath actually goes.

    • Balances vāta

    10 rounds or 3–5 minutes

  • Cooling Intermediate

    Cooling Breath

    Śītalī Prāṇāyāma

    Curl the tongue and draw the breath across it, the haṭha tradition's built-in air conditioner for hot heads and hot summers.

    • Balances pitta

    6–10 rounds in heat or after heated effort

  • Cooling Intermediate

    Hissing Breath

    Sītkarī Prāṇāyāma

    The cooling breath for everyone, teeth together, lips parted, air hissing in; the sister practice Śītalī was named beside.

    • Balances pitta

    6–10 rounds when heat, inner or outer

  • Cooling Intermediate

    Left-Nostril Cooling Breath

    Candra Bhedana Prāṇāyāma

    The moon to Sūrya Bhedana's sun, in through the left nostril, out through the right; drawing coolness into an overheated system.

    • Balances pitta

    6–8 rounds in the evening, in heat, or after heating practices.

  • Energizing Intermediate

    Right-Nostril Activating Breath

    Sūrya Bhedana Prāṇāyāma

    Breathe in through the right nostril, out through the left; waking the solar channel for cold mornings and low fire.

    • Balances kapha
    • Balances vāta

    6–8 rounds in the morning or before cold-weather effort.

  • Cleansing Intermediate

    Skull-Shining Breath

    Kapālabhāti

    Sharp, active exhales that pump the belly and scrub the fog out; the morning cleanse of the haṭha tradition.

    • Balances kapha

    1–3 rounds of 20 strokes on an empty stomach, mornings only.

  • Energizing Advanced Learn with a teacher

    Bellows Breath

    Bhastrīka Prāṇāyāma

    Forceful inhale and exhale through both nostrils, fanning the inner fire; powerful medicine, and a practice to learn from a teacher.

    • Balances kapha

    1–3 rounds maximum, mornings, on an empty stomach, and under a teacher's eye.