Breath of fire is a challenging form of pranayama. Breath control work strengthens your self control, your ability to concentrate, and increases your physical and mental abilities as a yogi. This particular breath control exercise is at first exhausting both mentally and physically, but with practice you will find your ability will grow.
Sit in a comfortable position. You may want to sit in lotus position, with a meditation pillow under your buttocks. Make sure your back is straight, your shoulders are back and down, and your head is positioned such that your eyes are looking right in front of you. Your hands can rest on your knees or you can assume a mudra of your choice with your fingers.
Close your eyes. Take several deep breaths as you center yourself. Breathe in and out through your nostrils until you are fully relaxed.
Now you are ready to try breath of fire.
Inhale through your nostrils. Using your navel, push the air out of your diaphragm and out of your nostrils forcefully. Draw your naval in, and as you draw in your navel, draw air in through your nostrils again, with force. As soon as your diaphragm has filled, push the air back out using your navel to force the air out of your nostrils. Continue this cycle, alternately drawing in and forcing out air through your nostrils, using not your nose or lungs to breathe but rather the force of your navel as you pull it in to the back of your spine and then force it out again. Do not take breaks; breath using the force of your navel as rapidly and as forcefully as you can. Try to breathe in this manner for one full minute. Stop if you become light headed.
When you can no longer perform the breath of fire properly, allow yourself to take deep, slow breaths through your nostrils, allowing your body to recover. With practice, you can work your way up to longer periods of time practicing this unique form of breath control.
 | Pranayama is the practice of controlled breathing often used in yoga and meditation to increase the flow of oxygen to the blood and the brain, calm the nervous system and improve concentration. |
 | Practicing breathing exercises can help to relieve stress and anxiety in your everyday life. |
 | When road rage has you at your emotional breaking point, take a deep breath. Pranayama can help you find inner peace, even in the middle of a traffic jam. |
Prana is the Life Force that is within us all. In Sanskrit the word Prana has two definitions, breath and life. Ayurveda teaches us that when we come into this world the first thing we do is take a breath in and when we leave this world the last thing we do is exhale. |
Three-part yoga breathing is a pranayama technique that is valued for its many benefits. This method of breath control enhances your self-awareness of your body while increasing your sense of self control and calm. |
