Breathing Techniques & Pranayama Flashcards

What does the Sanskrit term 'pranayama' literally translate to?

Answer: Extension or control of life force/breath

Pranayama combines 'prana' (life force or breath) and 'ayama' (extension or control), meaning the conscious regulation of breath.

Which pranayama technique is known as 'alternate nostril breathing'?

Answer: Nadi Shodhana

Nadi Shodhana involves alternating the breath between the left and right nostrils to balance energy channels.

Ujjayi breath is most commonly described as which of the following?

Answer: Ocean breath

Ujjayi breath creates a soft, ocean-like sound by partially constricting the glottis during both inhalation and exhalation.

Which pranayama technique uses equal duration for inhalation and exhalation?

Answer: Sama Vritti

Sama Vritti, meaning 'equal fluctuation,' balances the breath by making the inhale and exhale the same length.

Kapalabhati pranayama primarily involves which breathing action?

Answer: Forceful, rapid exhalations with passive inhalations

Kapalabhati is characterized by sharp, forceful exhalations through the nose with passive inhalations, creating a pumping effect in the abdomen.

During diaphragmatic breathing, what direction should the belly move on inhalation?

Answer: Outward (expand)

On inhalation the diaphragm contracts and descends, pushing the abdominal organs outward, causing the belly to expand.

The three classical phases of a complete breath cycle in yoga are named:

Answer: Puraka, Kumbhaka, Rechaka

Puraka (inhalation), Kumbhaka (retention), and Rechaka (exhalation) are the three Sanskrit terms describing the complete pranayama breath cycle.