Guidelines for Practice

The ancient texts describe numerous techniques, rules, and guidelines for practicing pranayama. The offerings of these ancient teachings help to guide us in the practice with moderation, balance, and temperance. Always practice under the direction of an experienced teacher.

Breathing: Always breath through the nose, instead of the mouth. While inhaling, expand the nostrils and while exhaling, relax the nostrils. Use a neti pot before practice.

Time: Practice is recommended 4 times throughout the day: morning, noon, evening, and midnight which is not always possible. Otherwise, choose to practice at sunrise or sunset, the most sattvic times of the day. Practice at the same time and place. Occasionally, the same practice may become disturbing to the system. In that case, change the type or method of practice. One should feel rejuvenated and refreshed after practice.

Place: Practice in a quiet, clean, and pleasant room which is well ventilated but has no drafts. Avoid practicing in direct sunlight, except in the early morning or late evening. Turn off the telephone and television and ask others to avoid interrupting your practice.

Posture: A steady and relaxed pose is necessary for the full benefits. Insure that the spine is straight and the knees are relaxed. Sit on a cushion or folded blanket. Choose a mudra conducive to your intentions.

Bathing: One does not enter a temple with a dirty body or mind. Before entering the temple of the body, take a bath/shower before practicing. At least wash the face, hands, and feet. Clip the nails in order to use the hand mudra effectively. This is the practice of saucha (cleanliness).

Empty Stomach: Wait at least 3 to 4 hours after eating to practice pranayama. Food in the stomach places pressure on the diaphragm and lungs making full respiration difficult. Evacuate the bladder and bowels before practicing.

Avoid Strain: It’s extremely important to practice without strain. Inhale, exhale, and retention should be practiced only as long as it is comfortable to do so.

Eyes: Practice asana with eyes open and pranayama with eyes closed.

Saliva: Swallow after exhalation, never during retention. Keep the tongue relaxed.

Menstruation: According to the teachings of BKS Iyengar, the practice of pranayama is safe during the menstrual period. However, uddiyana bandha must be avoided.

Pregnancy: Do not pratice kappalabhati, bhastrika, kumbhaka. However, it’s okay to practice ujjayi, nadi shodhana, surya/chandra bhedana.