Kundalini Yoga Certification Pranayama & Breath Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes 'Ujjayi' breath?
- Rapid diaphragmatic pumping through the nose
- Ocean-sounding breath created by slightly constricting the glottis (Correct answer)
- Whistling breath through a rolled tongue
- Forceful exhalation through both nostrils
Correct answer: Ocean-sounding breath created by slightly constricting the glottis
Ujjayi ('victorious breath') produces an ocean-like sound by gently constricting the back of the throat during both inhale and exhale.
Question 2: In Kundalini Yoga, the '4-part breath' divides inhalation into four equal sniffs. What is this technique called?
- Segmented Breath (Correct answer)
- Bhastrika
- Kapalabhati
- Viloma
Correct answer: Segmented Breath
Segmented Breath breaks the inhale or exhale into equal parts (sniffs or puffs) to regulate energy flow.
Question 3: Which pranayama is most directly associated with stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system?
- Breath of Fire
- Kapalabhati
- Long Deep Breathing with extended exhale (Correct answer)
- Bhastrika
Correct answer: Long Deep Breathing with extended exhale
Prolonging the exhale activates the vagus nerve and shifts the autonomic nervous system toward parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) dominance.
Question 4: What does 'Kevala Kumbhaka' refer to in advanced pranayama?
- Forced retention achieved through bandhas
- Spontaneous, effortless breath suspension arising naturally in meditation (Correct answer)
- Retention practiced only during exhale
- Counting retention in units of matra
Correct answer: Spontaneous, effortless breath suspension arising naturally in meditation
Kevala Kumbhaka is the spontaneous cessation of breath that can arise naturally in deep meditative states, considered a high attainment.
Question 5: A student feels tingling in the hands and light-headedness after Breath of Fire. The teacher should first instruct them to:
- Increase the pace to push through the sensation
- Breathe into the stomach only
- Slow down or stop and return to normal breathing (Correct answer)
- Switch immediately to Bhastrika
Correct answer: Slow down or stop and return to normal breathing
Tingling and dizziness indicate possible hyperventilation; the student should slow or stop and normalize their breathing before continuing.
Question 6: In pranayama texts, 'rechaka' refers to:
- Inhalation
- Retention with breath held in
- Exhalation (Correct answer)
- Retention with breath held out
Correct answer: Exhalation
The three phases of breath are puraka (inhale), kumbhaka (retention), and rechaka (exhale).
Question 7: Chandra Bhedana pranayama is used therapeutically to:
- Increase mental alertness and energy
- Stimulate digestive fire
- Cool the system and reduce excess heat or anger (Correct answer)
- Raise blood pressure
Correct answer: Cool the system and reduce excess heat or anger
Chandra Bhedana inhales through the left (moon/ida) nostril to invoke cooling, calming lunar energy.
Kundalini Yoga Certification Pranayama & Breath Techniques 3
Which of the following best describes 'Ujjayi' breath?