Day-3 Prāṇāyāma - The Ancient Science of Conscious Breathing

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In today’s session, we shall focus on the age-old Yogic discipline of conscious breathing known as Prāṇāyāma. Through simple yet profound breathing techniques, we shall explore the regulation of prāṇa, the calming of the mind, and the harmonising of the body and inner being. Today’s session will be shorter than usual. What we shall cover today: 1. Soham - A mantra-based breath awareness practice where the natural flow of inhalation and exhalation is observed with the sound “So–Hum,” leading the mind towards inner quietude and Self-awareness. 2. Anuloma–Viloma - Alternate nostril breathing practices that regulate and balance the flow of prāṇa through the nāḍīs; often used for purification, harmonisation, and mental steadiness. 3. Bhastrikā - A forceful and energising prāṇāyāma, performed in various ways, using dynamic breathing to stimulate prāṇa, awaken vitality, and generate inner heat. 4. Bhrāmarī - The “humming bee” prāṇāyāma where a soft humming sound is produced during exhalation, calming the nervous system and turning the mind inward. 5. Ujjāyī - A subtle prāṇāyāma using gentle throat regulation to create a soft internal sound, helping control prāṇa, improve concentration, and deepen meditative awareness. 6. Kapālabhāti - A cleansing kriyā rather than a classical prāṇāyāma, involving active expulsions of breath to purify the respiratory passages, invigorate the system, and awaken alertness. Hari Aum!