Breathing techniques are essential to a positive yoga practice.
The Breath of Fire, also referred to by its Sanskrit name "Agni-Prasana," is a component of Pranayama yoga. It requires first the mastery of the Long Deep Breathing technique. It is essential to master Long Deep Breathing through the diaphragm to execute the Breath of Fire correctly. Like most yoga techniques, this is not difficult but takes patience, dedication and time. Once mastered it is a stepping stone to other breathing techniques and meditation.
Instructions
Long Deep Breathing
1. Select a simple, cross-legged pose for your breathing exercises.
Choose a position that is not difficult or physically taxing. The Simple Cross-Legged Pose or the Corpse Pose (lying down, with feet slightly apart and hands at your sides) is recommended.
2. Inhale slowly, using your nostrils. Fill your abdominal area, keeping the air in a lower part of your body. Maintain this pressure, holding your breath comfortably.
3. Continue inhaling. Fill the lower and upper area of your lungs at a slow, relaxed pace. If you are sitting in a cross-legged pose, leaning forward slightly will help open the chest cavity.
4. Hold your breath for a moment when your lungs are completely filled. Expand your chest by pressing your shoulders back.
5. Exhale slowly through your nostrils when you are confident that your breathing fills the length and breadth of your diaphragm, and the full pressure of the breath on the diaphragm can be felt. Imagine a bellows being filled and slowly contracted to release the pressure.
The Breath of Fire
6. Breathe from your entire diaphragm, including your abdominal area and lungs, to do the Breath of Fire.
Begin the same way you did for Long Deep Breathing. A simple cross-legged posture is recommended for the Breath of Fire. Breathe in, expanding your abdominal area, then your lower and upper lungs.
7. Exhale quickly once your diaphragm is fully extended. When the air is mostly out, arch the spine forward and inhale again, quickly expanding your lungs and abdominal area to the fullest.
8. Repeat this process, inhaling and exhaling more rapidly each time. Make sure you are pressing your shoulders back and arching your spine to open your chest cavity fully.
9. Let the rhythm of the breath take its own pace as you speed up. Keep your breath steady and don't rush. Imagine the bellows expanding and contracting at a steady pace.
10. Make the Breath of Fire powerful or light, depending on your preference. Pay attention to the rhythm of your body and follow its natural inclinations.
