YMCA Breathing Techniques & Pranayama

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Extension or control of life force/breath

Answer

Meditative awareness practice

Answer

Physical posture sequence

Answer

Sound vibration technique

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Nadi Shodhana

Answer

Kapalabhati

Answer

Bhramari

Answer

Sitali

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Ocean breath

Answer

Cooling breath

Answer

Fire breath

Answer

Bee breath

Question 4

Which pranayama technique uses equal duration for inhalation and exhalation?

Accepted Answer

Sama Vritti

Answer

Viloma

Answer

Kapalabhati

Answer

Bhastrika

Question 5

Kapalabhati pranayama primarily involves which breathing action?

Accepted Answer

Forceful, rapid exhalations with passive inhalations

Answer

Slow, extended inhalations

Answer

Breath retention after each exhalation

Answer

Equal inhalation and exhalation with pauses

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Outward (expand)

Answer

Inward (contract)

Answer

To the left

Answer

Upward toward the chest only

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Puraka, Kumbhaka, Rechaka

Answer

Inhalation, pause, exhalation

Answer

Prana, Apana, Vyana

Answer

Inhale, hold, exhale in English only