Sukha Purvaka Pranayama

Sukha Purvaka Pranayama

     In Sanskrit, Sukha means "easy" or "pleasant," Purvaka meaning "that which precedes" and Pranayama means "control of the life force energy" or "breathing exercises." This practice is a Sama Vritti Pranayama practice, meaning "equal ratio breathing" where the inhale and exhale are the same ratio. This practice includes Antara Kumbhaka, meaning "internal breath retention."

     With this technique the practitioner learns to control the breath which in turn controls the mind helping to reduce issues of anxiety and stress.

     During this practice all four aspects of Pranayama are preformed, Puraka meaning “inhalation,” Rechaka meaning “ exhalation,” Antar Kumbhaka meaning “internal breath retention” and Bahir Kumbhaka meaning “external breath retention.” 

     This breathing technique is so effective and powerful that even the United States Navy Seals are taught this practice.

Practice

  • Allow yourself to breathe naturally for a few minutes, letting go of any tension in the body and calming the mind.

  • Inhale slowly, for a count of 6.

  • Hold the breath in for a count of 6.

  • Exhale slowly, for a count 6.

  • Hold the breath out for a count 6.

  • Finish the practice by preforming Shavasana for 5 to 10 minutes, relaxing the breath and letting go of all tension.



Duration

  • Practice for 6 - 9 rounds.

  • Relax the breath for a few moments, repeat another 6 - 9 rounds again if able.


  • Precautions with Sukha Pruvaka Pranayama

  • Do not practice the second variation if you have high blood pressure or any heart related issue.



  • Benefits of Sukha Pruvaka Pranayama

  • Improves digestion.

  • Relieves depression.

  • Calms the mind.

  • Aids in staying present.

  • Increases lung capacity.

  • Purifies the Nadis meaning "energetic pathways."


  • This practice is also referred to as

  • Box Breathing Yoga
  • Box Breathing Pranayama

  • Related Hatha Yoga Practices


    Neti Pot

    Shatkarma

       The six cleansing actions are intended to be the start of a Yoga practice in order to clean, strengthen, remove toxins and improve the flow of Prana through out the practitioner.

    Asana

    Asana

       Yoga poses help to elongate and strengthen the muscles of the body as well as to calm the mind for the deeper spiritual practices of Yoga.

    Pranayama

    Pranayama

       Breathing exercises are a great practice to remove carbon dioxide, increase lung capacity as well as being a good preparatory practice for the deepest spiritual practice of Yoga, Meditation.

    Bandha

    Bandha

       The four body locks that makes up this practice give the practitioner the ability to hold or lock Prana in certain locations of the body. These practices also allow the practitioner to release blockages that may be holding the practitioner back.

    Mudra

    Mudra

       The gestures in this practice include the whole body and are intended to awaken Prana, Chakras as well as Kundalini energy within the practitioner.

    Meditation

    Meditation

       Meditation is the highest spiritual practice of Yoga which is why this practice is the most difficult practice to preform, but with correct knowledge and dedication, can be the most profound practice of Yoga.

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