Understanding Breathwork in Yoga
The Transformative Power of Breath
In the yoga tradition, the individual soul is called “Atman.” Derived from the Sanskrit root “at,” meaning “to breathe,” the soul is defined as “That Which Breathes.”
Discover how breathwork can transform your yoga practice. Explore our Pranayama Basics program for beginners.
Our life begins with a breath. We know a baby has been born successfully when we hear a loud cry. Conversely, our life ends with a breath. When a body exhales and no longer inhales, we recognize that the soul has departed. If breath defines life, then breath represents life energy. In yoga, this is called “prana,” which means both “breath” and “life-force energy.” These two concepts are essentially identical. Thus, there is no faster way to transform your energy than by altering your breathing pattern.
Just as we train our bodies and minds, we can also train our breath. Not because it’s flawed, but to harness it more effectively. Our being comprises body, mind, and breath, with the breath often being the last frontier. If you’ve engaged in practices for the mind and body but still struggle with stress or mood, you might be missing yoga’s “secret sauce.” Breathwork is a powerful practice for enhancing your emotional state, also known as your “vibe.”
Ready to elevate your practice? Check out Breathwork 101 for advanced techniques and specific outcomes.
One of the quickest ways to assess someone’s health is to observe their breathing pattern. Slow or shallow, rapid or irregular breathing indicates something may be amiss. While breathwork cannot replace medical advice, it can shift your energy and state of mind. For instance, during a panic attack, we’ve all been advised to breathe into a paper bag. The idea is that hyperventilation, common during panic, alters the breath cycle, which in turn exacerbates the panic, creating a vicious cycle.
Breathing into a paper bag achieves two things: it increases the intake of carbon dioxide lost through rapid breathing, and the bag’s resistance slows down the breath. When breathing slows, the body perceives reduced stress. Slowing your breath is a potent practice—akin to lifting weights with your lungs—that anyone can do anytime using techniques that are thousands of years old. It requires no special spiritual or psychological state and is simple to learn.
Explore different breathwork techniques with our curated classes. Start with our Pranayama Basics program today!
Like yoga and meditation, breathwork encompasses various styles and techniques, each with unique benefits. It can make you feel uplifted, focused, calm, or ready for sleep, depending on the technique. Some practices involve quick, short breaths for energizing effects, while others lengthen the breath for relaxation. Techniques might include breath retention or breathing through only one nostril.
Although some methods may seem unusual at first, approach them with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Remember, you are in control of your practice. If a teacher instructs “Twenty more like this” and you need a break, take it! Ultimately, you are practicing to develop a better sense of yourself.
Take your breathwork journey to the next level. Try Breathwork 101 and discover the benefits.
In the yoga tradition, breathwork is considered one of the most advanced practices, introduced after mastering physical yoga. It represents the synergy and powerful combination of all yogic practices.
If you’ve been missing this essential element in your practice, breathe easy. We’ve made breathwork its own style on Glo. Getting started is easy. Simply take a deep inhale, release a slow exhale, and try one of these classes:
If you’re brand new, our Pranayama Basics program introduces everything you need to begin in four 15-minute classes.
If you’d like to explore further, try Breathwork 101: a collection of classes focusing on specific outcomes and techniques, allowing you to experiment with shifting your energy.
