Pranayama
The Breath of Fire (or Agni-Prasana) pranayama is a Kundalini yoga breathing technique that will give you a quick energy boost. The next time you’re feeling tired or having an incredibly busy day, try doing this exercise instead of reaching for another cup of coffee.
It is recommended to practice this pranayama first thing in the morning. It can be done anywhere, whether it’s in your car, office, waiting room etc.
Benefits of Breath of Fire
Increases energy levels and improves circulation
Aids and alleviates any respiratory issues you may have
Expands lung capacity and increases vital strength
Tones your abdomen
Helps your body detox and boosts the immune system
Increases alertness
How to do Breath of Fire
You will need to be familiar with Kundalini yoga deep breathing techniques before attempting the Breath of Fire pranayama. If you’re unsure of how to do this, you can start by practicing the Long Deep Breathing technique.
Breath of Fire pranayama is rapid, rhythmic, and continuous. It is powered from the navel point (around 2 fingers down from your belly button) and solar plexus (3rd chakra). Breath of Fire is always practiced through the nostrils with the mouth closed unless stated otherwise.
Directions
- Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Make sure your spine is straight.
- Take a few deep breaths and let your mind and body sink into a relaxed state. Remember to breathe in and out through your nostrils with your mouth closed. Your chest should stay relaxed and slightly lifted throughout this practice.
- To start, inhale through your nose then exhale in rapid succession with no pause between them. To exhale, push the air out through our nose powerfully. Make sure your breaths are even. One inhale and one exhale completes one cycle. You should completely approximately 2-3 cycles per second.
- If it’s your first time trying the Breath of Fire pranayama, start practicing with 1-3 minutes and build it up to 10 minutes (or you may even find it easy to just do it for 10 minutes straight!).
- Some tingling sensations in your body and light-headedness are completely normal as your body adjusts to this new practice.
Beginner’s Tip: You may find that this pranayama technique causes some dizziness or giddiness when you first start out. If this happens, take a break before trying again.
See also: Long Deep Breathing Pranayama.
