The Basics of Breath: Pranayama vs Breathwork
Back to basics today. Although is language ever basic?
Read on and we shall see…
Prana (with a capital p) = life force. The word pranayama comes from prana, meaning breath, and ayama, meaning extension, direction or freedom from restraint. Although pranayama also means breath control if derived from the words prana and yama. Either way, “pranayama harnesses the vital energy and consciously moves it through the body’s subtlest channels”. Breath is life. Involuntarily flowing and breathing us. Meanwhile, voluntarily manipulated & transformed, controlled by us.
The word breathwork is unarguably trendy right now, but really it’s another word for pranayama - both include many practices that all have roots in the yoga tradition. Pranayama strengthens the respiratory system, can turn off the overdrive response and soothes the nerves. Just as important as the physiological benefits, breath observation, direction, control + extension frees the mind from restless scanning, analysis and overthinking.
Pranayama, breathwork or controlled breathing are all umbrella terms comprising tools to help us achieve various states of energy within the body. There is a multitude of directions to go. So when using a term like breathwork - it helps to be specific. Is it a practice for regulating a frantic system with cooling, calming or base level techniques such as Brahmari or Interrupted Breath? Or perhaps the breathwork is heating or activated to stir up stagnancy like Kapalabhati or Holotropic? I love pondering language, the words we use and how we define them.
That’s all for today - an operational definition of pranayama and the differentiation between breath styles. A snippet into this world. We explore more of the how’s, why’s, benefits & modifications of breath on trainings and retreats. ♥️
I have a new (free) practice on Insight Timer. It’s invigorating! Although calming breath is amazing, I also love fiery practices. I used to teach sweaty vinyasa waaaay back, you know :) And in 2019, I discovered Wim Hof and the 2 Stage Pranayama Meditation. These ‘supercharged’ techniques have helped with processing grief and releasing stress. I’ve trained up on the style and recorded one for you to enjoy at home - try this active release here.