online yoga forum

I have been reading the other threads here and just wondered if there are any easy breathing techniques I could practise at home? It seems to me reading this stuff that everyone recommends a teacher but what if your teacher doesn't teach breathing techniques?

I think that if you have a teacher to show you what to do first, then you can practise it at home. Not all pranayama is complicated and lots like the bee breath are quite safe to practise by yourself. Don't be put off. Ask your teacher for a home practise and then just do it!!!!

i usually apply ujjayi breathing to my poses whether or not the teacher mentions it. teachings often say that the breath is the foundation of yoga. that makes sense, as without it....well. i feel it energises and fills out the poses (inbreath), engages the diaphragm, and helps me immerse deeper into poses (outbreath).

ujjayi (aka 'ocean breath') is basically breathing long, steady, deep breaths (inhale and exhale of equal duration) through the nose and slightly narrowing the throat to make the sound of the letter H. Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. or a sound like the ocean. this warms the chest and lungs, while the sensation and sound help keep the mind centred within.

i've noticed that is it contagious too. in class others pick up on the sound and copy it, and sometimes the teacher then gives it an optional mention. -- I think ujjayi might be a fundamental in all Astanga Vinyasa classes.

I agree ujjai is contageous! I practice ashtanga and you learn it as a beginner. It is a key component to the practice.

Ujjai is a heating breath and ashtanga is a very physical practise where you move all the time. This breath heats your digestion and ignites the agni in your stomach. It's a purifying breath and keeps you focused and stops your mind wondering around whilst you're in the poses.