Ayurvedic Breathing Exercises

In Ayurveda, conscious breathing (pranayama) is considered essential for balancing the doshas and maintaining optimal health. Practice these guided breathing exercises to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance your overall wellbeing.

Breathing Exercise

Select a breathing pattern and follow along with the guided animation

Breathing Pattern

Inhale

Cycle 1 of 5

Sound

Box Breathing (Sama Vritti)

A simple yet powerful technique that helps reduce stress and improve focus by creating balance in the breath.

Benefits

Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves concentration
Helps manage emotions
Can lower blood pressure

Instructions

Inhale through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale through your nose for 4 counts, and hold for 4 counts. Repeat for 5 cycles.

Tips for Effective Practice

Find a Comfortable Position

Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight. You can sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground, or cross-legged on a cushion on the floor. The key is to be comfortable while maintaining an upright posture.

Start Slowly

If you're new to breathing exercises, start with just a few minutes per day and gradually increase your practice time. Begin with simpler techniques like Box Breathing before moving on to more advanced practices.

Be Consistent

The benefits of breathing exercises come with regular practice. Try to practice at the same time each day to establish a routine. Even 5-10 minutes daily can make a significant difference in your overall wellbeing.