Description

• Viloma pranayama is a yoga breathing exercise that involves a series of interrupted inhalations with pauses followed by a series of interrupted exhalations with pauses.

Pranayama can be divided into two parts;

• Paused inhalation

You begin by lying down in a comfortable position and breathe normally. Once you are relaxed, you inhale for 2-3 seconds and pause. Hold your breath for two seconds and then begin inhaling again. Pause inhaling for 2 seconds and then slowly begin again. Continue to inhale in intervals until your lungs are full of air. Exhale slowly and gently until you have expelled all the air.

• Paused exhalation

This is the exact opposite of what you do with paused inhaling. You inhale deeply and in one go but then remember to pause periodically while you’re exhaling.

Follow these steps to practice Viloma Pranayama :

1. Viloma pranayama is typically practiced from a reclined position facing skyward.

2. Begin by inhaling a third of the lungs' capacity, then pause for two to three seconds.

3. Inhale another third, pause again, and inhale until the lungs are filled.

4. Pause before repeating the pattern on the exhale.