Samavritti

Definition: “sama” means same, equal, identical, or balanced; “vritti” means fluctuation, action, movement, a course of conduct or method; in this case, the phrase or length of the breath. Samavritti describes a breathing pattern in which the length of the inhale and exhale is matched, of equal length, texture, and phrasing.

Benefits:

• Creates a state of equanimity and balance
• Stabilizes one’s physical, emotional, and mental health

Usage: Samavritti in vinyasa (movement from pose to pose) and utilize visamavritti in asana (holding poses)

Going Deeper: BKS Iyengar states the ideal ratio is 1:1:1 (inhale, retention, exhale). One should practice only under the guidance of an experienced teacher.

VI-SAMAVRITTI

Definition: the particle "vi" means not or against; "sama" means balanced or same; "vritti" means fluctuation, action, movement, a course of conduct or method; in this case, the phrase or length of the breath. Visamavritti describes a breathing pattern in which the length of the inhale and exhale is varied, irregular, or not the same. The phrasing is altered or varied.

Practice: Always use visamavritti with exhaling longer in length than inhaling. One should never practice inhaling longer in length than exhaling.

Benefits:

• Decreases excess carbon dioxide in the blood
• Reduces stress and tension in the body
• Calms the nervous system
• Focuses the mind and lessens excessive thinking
• Establishes grounding in the energetic body
• Usage: Utilize visamavritti in asana (holding poses) and samavritti in vinyasa (movement from pose to pose).

Going Deeper: BKS Iyengar states the ideal ratio is 1:4:2:1 (inhale, retention, exhale, retention). Practicing visamavritti with advanced ratios is "fraught with danger" and should be practiced only under the guidance of an experienced teacher.