Segmented Breaths/Viloma Pranayam/Krama Pranayam

Segmented Breaths/Viloma Pranayam/Krama Pranayam

Viloma Pranayama, also known as Krama Pranayama, is a yogic breathing exercise that involves interrupting the natural flow of breath with short pauses. The word "viloma" means "against the natural order". The practice can be done while sitting or lying down, and can help with:

• Calming and focusing the mind

• Improving breath control

• Relieving anxiety

• Relieving tension from PMS

• Cooling down after a yoga class

• Preparing the mind for meditation

• Expanding lung capacity

• Removing stale air with outgoing breath

• Bringing fresh oxygen with inhalation

With segmented breathing, Instead of inhaling in one smooth motion the inhalation and exhalation are divided into several equal parts, with a slight suspension of the breath separating each part, and with a clear beginning and clear end to each segment. This stimulates the central brain and the glandular system in different ways.

Note: Don’t collapse or squeeze the nostrils in on the inhale or pull the breath too deeply into the lungs. The goal is for the breath to strike a relaxed, yet focused area in the nasal passage to stimulate a particular set of nerves.

Keep the nostrils relaxed and direct the attention to the feel of the breath further along the air passages and to the motion of the diaphragm.

4 parts in: 1 part out healing, energizing, uplifting

4 parts in: 4 parts out clarity, alertness, triggering glands

8 parts in: 8 parts out calming, centering

8 parts in: 4 parts out focusing, energizing

4 parts in: 8 parts out calming, unblocking, letting go

The ratios used in Kundalini Yoga are clearly defined and create stable, predictable, final states of mind and energy. It is best not to experiment since not all ratios are balanced or sustainable.

Related Pages: Pranayam Site-map