Types of breath🔗

• Breathing consists of three parts.
• Exhalation (rechaka),
• Inhalation (pooraka)
• Retention (kumbhaka).

The most important part of pranayama is the kumbhaka or breath retention. This is done consciously by control of the breath. Breath can be held either externally, after the exhale (bahiranga kumbhaka), or internally, after the inhale (a*ntaranga kumbhaka*).

The retention affects the entire brain. It awakens the potential of the brain. When kumbhaka is held consciously,it is also called sahita kumbhaka. When kumbhaka happens on its own, spontaneously, it is called kevala kumbhaka. (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2:71-73)

The nadis and chakras are purified by systematic breath retention and prana easily enters the sushumna nadi. Prana moving in the sushumna makes the mind still. This steadiness of mind is called the state of manonmani – devoid of thought. (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2:41).

By breath retention, kundalini is aroused. There can be no perfection if Hatha Yoga is without Raja Yoga or Raja Yoga without Hatha Yoga. Therefore, through practice of both, perfection is attained. (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2:75-76)