The most important part of yoga practice is the ability to breathe deeply and fully. Proper breathing is vital to our health, mental focus and sense of calm.

In this introductory class, Kavita guides you through simple techniques to bring fullness to your breath; these techniques are useful both on and off the yoga mat. Bring the Yoga of the Breath with you wherever you go Duration: 7 min

Teacher: Kavita Maharaj

Ancient yogis discovered that we don’t breathe through both nostrils at the same time and that each of our nostrils share characteristics of brain hemisphere dominance: for instance, when we breathe through the left nostril, the right side of the brain (creativity) is dominant and when we breathe through the right nostril our left brain (logic) is dominant . Duration 4 min

This quick, refreshing pranayama instantly lifts your spirits and clears your mind of negative thoughts and tension. The first portion of this practice is a breathing exercise, followed by a Zen inspired relaxation sequence using small stone to help focus your concentration (you may also use a crystal, bead or other small sacred object). Be sure to chose your object before you begin this practice, so you have it easily at hand. Duration: 8 min

Benefits: release of tension, clarity of mind, fresh perspective and renewed sense of well being

Contraindications: if you are prone to dizziness and/or begin to feel light-headed simply let yourself fall forward into Standing Forward Bend and ease yourself in to Child’s Pose and rest.

Teacher: Andrea MacDonald

You can do this pranayama in either a standing or seated position. For the greatest results, do this breath at the end of your practice, just prior to Svasana; your asana practice will loosen up any toxins and negativity in the body and this breath will help release them. Duration: 5 min

Benefits: increased lung capacity, stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, increases vitality in the body, promotes self-healing and inner calm.

Contraindications: avoid this breath if you suffer from chronic chills or constipation

Teacher: Kavita Maharaj

The retention of the breath allows the alveoli in the lungs a greater opportunity to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Advanced pranayama exercises are of particular benefit to singers, athletes and professional speakers.

Benefits: increased lung capacity, mental clarity, oxygenation of the blood, improves memory and focus

Contraindications: do not perform this breath if you have bronchitis, asthma or high blood pressure, or if you are a beginner pranayama student – always do advanced yogic practices under the guidance of a qualified instructor

Teacher: Kavita Maharaj

The Full Yogic Breath is at the core of yoga practice. When you learn to breath from your deep belly instead of your chest you increase your lung capacity, increase circulation, send more oxygen to the brain and reduce stress and tension quickly and effectively. Duration: 4.5 min

Benefits: reduced tension, increased lung capacity and circulation, improves mental performance and encourages focus

Contraindications: None. This breath is suitable for everyone who requires oxygen.

Teacher: Kavita Maharaj

The Retained breath is an extension of the Full Yogic Breath and serves two basic functions: it strengthens the lungs and allows them to clean out old oxygen, giving rise to a fuller, more energizing breath. This deeper breathing also benefits the nervous system and improves digestion. Kavita guides you through this short tutorial. Duration: 7 min

Benefits: improves lung capacity, soothes the nervous system, improves digestion

Contraindications: if you have asthma, or high blood pressure, it is advisable to avoid this pranayama; always consult your health care practitioner if you have any doubts about any part of yoga practice

Teacher: Kavita Maharaj

The Full Yogic Breath is at the core of yoga practice. When you learn to breath from your deep belly instead of your chest you increase your lung capacity, increase circulation, send more oxygen to the brain and reduce stress and tension quickly and effectively. Duration: 3.5 min

The Full Yogic Breath with Retention is a slightly more advanced pranayama; retaining the breath increases the strength of the lungs, brings more oxygen to the bloodstream allowing for deeper breathing. In addition, this breath brings further awareness of the three chambers of the breath – the lower abdomen, the ribcage and the upper lungs.

Benefits: reduced tension, increased lung capacity and circulation, improves mental performance and encourages focus

Contraindications: Pranayama should be avoided if you have asthma (unless instructed by your doctor) or any bronchial infection. You may resume your pranayama practice when you are healthy.

This breath should first be performed under the guidance of a qualified instructor – our videos do provide qualified instruction but should you have any concerns, consult a live instructor or contact us directly.

Teacher: Kavita Maharaj

Through the rapid succession of sharp expulsions of the breath the nasal passages are cleaned and purified, this breath uses powerful contractions of the abdominal muscles as well, toning the belly. Don’t be surprised if you begin to sweat in this powerful pranayama! Duration: 8 min

Benefits: invigorating, purifying, energizing, stimulates the mind, improves memory, increases lung capacity, tones abdominals

Contraindications: do not perform this pranayama if you are pregnant, menstruating, have untreated high blood pressure; also, avoid if you are recovering from recent surgery

Teacher: Kavita Maharaj

Sometimes in our day-to-day life we get a bit hot-headed about things – even the coolest cucumber occasionally feels hot under the collar. The cooling breath is designed to do just what it suggests – cool the body, mind and spirit. Duration: 5 min

In Sanskrit this is called the Shitali Pranayama and it is especially effective as part of a summertime yoga practice, cooling the body from the inside out and can help ease the restlessness we feel when its just too damned hot!

Benefits: reduces mental tension and emotional excitement; relaxes the muscles, purifies the blood, tones the liver and spleen, reduces stomach acidity and improves digestion, reduces blood pressure

Contraindications: avoid this breath of you have any heart condition, asthma, bronchitis or emphysema; if you are normally cold as opposed to warm, you may wish to try a warming breath; also, if you suffer from chronic constipation avoid this breath.

Teacher: Kavita Maharaj