Art Of Breath In Yoga: Essential Tips For Proper Practice

If yoga had a public relations representative, they would certainly be effective. On television and in films, the practice consistently appears gentle and straightforward. And indeed, in many respects, it is. The soothing music, the stretching, the emphasis on breath and mindfulness… all contribute to a tranquil experience.

However, yoga can be more intricate than it might first appear. Certain poses can be quite challenging or even uncomfortable—downward-facing dog tends to strain my wrists—and maintaining presence can be particularly difficult for those of us who struggle with anxiety and racing thoughts.

Additionally, did you know that breath control during yoga is significant? While it may not be crucial, it’s certainly important—so we consulted a yoga instructor to understand why effective breathing matters and what it entails.

The Importance of Proper Breathing in Yoga

As noted, breath control is crucial in yoga for several reasons. The first is physical, and this principle applies to all forms of movement.

“From a physical standpoint, breathing supplies oxygen to the body, which enhances circulation and facilitates movement throughout the practice,” explains Kate Lombardo, E-RYT 500, co-founder and director of Yoga Renew, a certified yoga instructor, trainer, wellness educator, and mindset coach specializing in vinyasa yoga sequencing, meditation, and positive psychology.

The second reason is more mental and specific to yoga. It relates to one of yoga’s primary advantages: being present. Lombardo notes that paying attention to your breath can help simplify this process.

“When you concentrate on your breath, considering each inhale and exhale, you establish a connection between the mind and body by bringing awareness to something that is occurring in the present moment,” she elaborates. “This focus helps calm the mind and aids the nervous system.”

Finally, the breathing techniques you use can differ depending on the type of yoga being practiced. For example, the breath pattern suitable for a dynamic style like Vinyasa yoga will differ from that of a more meditative style such as Yin yoga. Each category of yoga, along with its associated breathing method, offers unique purposes and advantages.

“When you bring focus to the breath, thinking about each inhale and each exhale, you connect the mind with the body by bringing awareness to something that is happening right now, in real time.” —Kate Lombardo, E-RYT 500

Guidelines for Proper Breathing During Yoga

First and foremost, Lombardo emphasizes the importance of simply ensuring that you are breathing. “If you’re breathing in general, that’s already a significant part of the challenge,” she remarks.

Some poses can be more demanding physically, which may lead you to hold your breath or breathe improperly. Alternatively, if you focus too intensely on breathing correctly, it can lead to the opposite outcome. In such situations, it’s beneficial to consciously check that you are maintaining a consistent breath.

Next, make sure your breathing patterns align with your body’s movements (even if it doesn’t feel instinctive). Essentially, inhale when your body is expanding and exhale when it is contracting, as Lombardo advises. A helpful visualization is to picture your body filling with air as you breathe in and emptying as you breathe out.

Also, bear in mind that the proper breathing technique may vary depending on the kind of yoga you’re practicing. Lombardo highlights the following:

• Pranayama, a branch of yoga that specifically addresses breath, encompasses various breathing practices tailored to specific situations.
• For more physical practices like Vinyasa, try tying one breath (an inhale or exhale) to each movement.
• In slower-paced yoga styles, such as restorative or Yin, begin with box breathing (inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, then exhale for four counts) to help calm your nervous system and enhance breath connection.

As you grow more experienced and comfortable with different breathing techniques, you can experiment with more advanced Pranayama practices, like alternate nostril breathing or Kapalabhati breath, which involves rapid inhalations and exhalations, according to Lombardo.

Ultimately, mastering breath control is more complex than it may initially seem—so if you encounter difficulties or prefer to stick with simpler techniques, don’t be hard on yourself.

“Within the eight-limb path of yoga, Pranayama—or the breath-centered practice—follows Asana, which focuses on physical poses,” Lombardo notes. “Viewing yoga through this framework, breathing is regarded as a more advanced practice than the physical movements themselves.”