Yoga Breathing Exercises

Complete Breath

This breath maximizes the use of the lungs, increases the oxygen level in the body and calms the mind.

• Sit up tall, in a comfortable position.

• Inhale, expanding the abdomen, opening the ribs and lifting the shoulders.

• Exhale, contracting the abdomen, relaxing the ribs, and lowering the shoulders.

• Repeat.

Lengthening The Exhale

This breath increases lung capacity and activates a relaxation response in the body. It is a great breath to lower the stress level quickly.

• Inhale gently and naturally while counting. (Make the count as long as is comfortable for you).

• Exhale slowly, taking twice as long to empty the lungs.

• Repeat. As the inhale lengthens, lengthen the exhale.

• A simple way to start is to inhale for 5 counts and exhale for 8 counts.

Four Parted Breath

This breath can be done using different counts, depending on the lung capacity. It develops the lungs and also activates relaxation in the mind and the body. It's good for lowering the stress level in the body.

• Inhale to a count of 5.

• Retain the breath for a count of 5.

• Exhale for a count of 5.

• Hold the breath out for a count of 5.

• Repeat.