Breath and Pranayama

Cellular Breathing

Cellular Breathing is the foundation for all pranayama techniques in Embodyoga®. The subtlest movement of prana within our bodies, we consider cellular respiration to be our primary breath. Consciously practicing Cellular Breathing enlivens the subtle energy within and around the cells, a process that can be witnessed, felt, and enjoyed. By beginning with cellular breathing, we learn to stay soft and receptive in practicing the traditional pranayama techniques.

Whole Body Ujjayi Pranayama

Whole Body Ujjayi Pranayama is a soft and resonant ujjayi practiced from the perspective of the cells themselves. The cells call for the prana of the breath and the ujjayi washes the breath to and through the cells. This unifies the lung breath with cellular respiration, and it integrates and supports the whole body in asana practice.

Naval-flooding breath

Naval-Flooding Breath is a foundational technique for organizing movements to and from our core. It increases prana flow in the navel center, stabilizes the navel, and integrates our limbs through our solar plexus, and into our deep belly core.

Embryonic Breathing

Embryonic Breathing, as taught by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, is a method for sipping prana into our deep core. It expands the finest aspects of life force and refreshes prana flow in the deep body structures, including the organs and bone marrow.

Traditional Pranayama

We use the traditional Pranayama Practices of Hatha Yoga and integrate them into practice as the body-mind softens and each student becomes able to practice breathing softly, fully, and without strain.