Zephyr Yoga Podcast

Sitali Pranayama, derived from the Sanskrit word for "cool," is a breath technique ideal for hot weather or stress. It involves inhaling through a rolled tongue or pursed lips, creating a cooling effect. Alternatively, Sitkari Pranayama uses a wide grin to inhale across the teeth. Both techniques help cool the body, soothe inflammation, and balance excess Pitta dosha.Simhasana Pranayama (Lion's Breath) involves forcefully exhaling through the mouth while sticking out the tongue and gazing between the eyebrows (Shambavi Mudra). This practice releases tension, stress, and pent-up emotions, while stimulating energy flow and fostering empowerment.In this class, we’ll refine Bakasana (Heron Pose), preparing the shoulders and pelvis to increase range of motion and strength. We’ll emphasise Hasta Bandha (hand lock) to strengthen the hands and wrists for arm balances. The sequence builds heat and energy, offering the cooling and releasing benefits of Sitali and Simhasana Pranayama. Enjoy!To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here.

In this session, we focus on Surya Bedhana and Chandra Bedhana pranayama. "Surya Bedhana" (sun-piercing breath) involves right nostril breathing, stimulating the pingala nadi (solar energy channel), increasing vitality, and promoting mental clarity and energy. It alleviates lethargy and low mood. "Chandra Bedhana" (moon-piercing breath) involves left nostril breathing, activating the ida nadi (lunar energy channel), reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting relaxation and calmness.Surya Bedhana begins with inhaling through the right and exhaling through the left, or using Kapalabhati while inhaling and exhaling exclusively through the right nostril. Chandra Bedhana alternates nostrils, starting with inhaling through the left and exhaling through the right. The practice balances energy, depending on the dominance of the nostril (swara), which influences your emotional and physical state.We conclude with Surya and Chandra Bedhana, Kapalabhati, and Shambhavi Mudra, directing prana to the Lalana Chakra for deeper connection to wisdom and higher consciousness, leaving you serene and content.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here.

Nadi Shodhana, or "alternate nostril breathing," is a pranayama technique aimed at balancing prana (vital energy) in the body and harmonizing the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It purifies the energy channels (nadis), facilitating the free flow of energy. The three main nadis are Sushumna (central, balanced), Pingala (right, solar), and Ida (left, lunar). Practicing Nadi Shodhana helps balance these energies, promoting calmness, clarity, and harmony.The technique involves alternating nostrils while inhaling and exhaling, using Vishnu Mudra. This breath pattern helps regulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, enhancing relaxation, focus, and mental clarity. Nadi Shodhana connects the breath with the five elements (earth, water, fire, wind, and space) and chakras, fostering mindfulness and balance. It can deepen self-awareness, calm the mind, and improve concentration. Practicing this pranayama creates a state of yoga, uniting opposing forces for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here.

Kapalabhati, or "skull shining breath," involves forceful exhalations and passive inhalations. It cleanses and purifies the respiratory system, clears nasal passages and sinuses, and improves lung function. This pranayama generates heat, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, and strengthens the parasympathetic system, promoting relaxation. It enhances mental clarity, concentration, and overall vitality.The technique works by rapidly contracting the abdominal muscles to expel air in bursts, stimulating the digestive organs, enhancing circulation, and energising the subtle body. Kapalabhati activates Samana, Vyana, and Udana Vayu, balancing the elements within the body.Kapalabhati should be practiced cautiously by those with certain health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or pregnancy. Begin slowly and increase intensity gradually to avoid strain. If dizziness or shortness of breath occurs, stop and return to Ujjayi Pranayama, resting in a grounded pose.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here.

Bastrika, or "bellows breath," increases prana (vital energy), generating heat and vitality in the body. It involves rapid, forceful inhalations and exhalations, improving respiratory function, strengthening respiratory muscles, and expanding lung capacity. This technique enhances mental clarity, focus, and alertness by stimulating the brain and nervous system.Energetically, Bastrika activates Vyana and Samana Vayu, expanding and contracting prana to clear blockages in the energy channels (nadis), particularly around the heart and throat, where emotional blockages like grief and resentment reside. By releasing these, Bastrika promotes love, compassion, clear communication, and creative expression.Bastrika also balances the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha). For Pitta, use slower rhythms to avoid aggravating inflammation; for Vata, a slower, steady rhythm helps ground the energy; for Kapha, faster rhythms stimulate energy and motivation. Begin slowly, increasing intensity as you become accustomed to the practice. If dizziness occurs, switch to Ujjayi Pranayama for balance.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here.

Viloma Pranayama is a breathing technique where the inhalation or exhalation is divided into segments with brief pauses between each. The term “Viloma” means “against the grain” or “against the natural order,” encouraging deeper breath awareness. This practice enhances lung capacity, improves respiratory function, and regulates prana (vital energy) in the body.Viloma promotes mindfulness and focus, helping to quiet the mind and deepen meditative awareness. It can alleviate stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalance by calming the sympathetic nervous system and strengthening vagal tone, creating resilience.The inhale is invigorating and clarifying, while the exhale is calming and releasing. The practice includes Antar Kumbhaka (holding the breath) and Bahya Kumbhaka (resting in emptiness), along with the Maha Bandhas for added intensity. It’s essential to start gradually, increasing complexity over time, to cultivate mindfulness, inner peace, and a deeper understanding of breath’s role in yoga and meditation.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here.