How to breathe in Aerial yoga
Master Your Breath: Essential Yoga Breathing Techniques for Aerial Yoga Practice
“When you own your breath, nobody can steal your peace.” – Author Unknown
Breath is the foundation of all yoga practices, including aerial yoga. In yoga, breathing—known as Prana, the vital life force—is central to connecting the body and mind. The way you breathe influences your energy, focus, and overall experience on and off the mat.
In aerial yoga, breathing takes on even greater importance. The hammock supports your body suspended in midair, and mastering your breath helps maintain balance, prevents dizziness, and deepens your practice. Here’s everything you need to know about breathing techniques and how they enhance your aerial yoga journey.
Why Breath Matters in Aerial Yoga
Breath controls the flow of energy throughout the body. During aerial yoga:
Inhale: Feel the upward pull of the hammock.
Exhale: Sense the downward pull of gravity.
Balance: Alternate between inversions and upright postures.
Ground: Finish each session by reconnecting with the floor through deep, mindful breaths.
Proper breathing keeps you centered, stable, and aligned, helping you get the most out of your aerial yoga practice.
Essential Yoga Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) for Aerial Yoga
1. Lion’s Breath (Simhasana)
How to perform:
Start in Simhasana (Lion’s Pose).
Inhale deeply through your nose.
Open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and exhale forcefully making a “roar” sound.
Repeat 2-3 times.
Benefits:
Releases tension and negative energy.
Reduces stress and anger.
Boosts confidence and self-esteem.
May help improve speech clarity.
2. Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati Pranayama)
How to perform:
Sit comfortably in Lotus or Thunderbolt Pose.
Begin rapid, rhythmic breaths through your nose.
Inhale and exhale fully and quickly, pumping the diaphragm.
Maintain a pace of 100-120 breaths per minute for short bursts.
Benefits:
Increases oxygenation and lung capacity.
Energizes the mind and body.
Clears nasal passages.
Boosts overall vitality.
Caution: Avoid if pregnant, or if you have high blood pressure or heart conditions.
3. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
How to perform:
Sit comfortably and bring your right hand to your nose.
Close right nostril with thumb, inhale slowly through left.
Close left nostril with ring finger, hold breath briefly.
Open right nostril and exhale slowly.
Inhale through right nostril, hold, then exhale through left.
Repeat 5-10 cycles.
Benefits:
Calms the nervous system.
Reduces stress and anxiety.
Enhances focus and mental clarity.
Balances the brain’s hemispheres.
4. Three-Part Breath (Dirga Swasam)
How to perform:
Sit or lie comfortably with a straight spine.
Place one hand on the belly, the other on the chest.
Inhale deeply, filling belly, ribs, then chest.
Exhale completely in reverse order.
Focus on full expansion and contraction.
Benefits:
Promotes full oxygen exchange.
Reduces shallow breathing habits.
Lowers stress and anxiety.
Increases body awareness and relaxation.
Integrate Breath into Your Aerial Yoga Practice
In aerial yoga, combining these pranayama techniques with the physical use of the hammock creates a unique synergy. Breath supports balance, deepens stretches, and helps you stay grounded while suspended.
Ready to breathe life into your aerial yoga practice?
Enrol in our comprehensive Aerial Yoga Teacher Training or join a class today to experience the transformative power of breath combined with gravity-defying postures.
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