Pranayama Books

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Emerio Boykins

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Aug 5, 2024, 12:09:22 AM8/5/24
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Improveyour breathwork during your yoga or meditation practices, or for everyday wellbeing with a selection of books to improve your technique. This curated library of classic and modern books contain breathing techniques that are rooted in scientific and spiritual... Read more Improve your breathwork during your yoga or meditation practices, or for everyday wellbeing with a selection of books to improve your technique. This curated library of classic and modern books contain breathing techniques that are rooted in scientific and spiritual belief systems to offer a broad range of knowledge, which can help with relaxation, stress, and improved organ and muscle function. Explore the full collection of Pranayama and breathwork books below to find a method that works for you.

Improve your breathwork during your yoga or meditation practices, or for everyday wellbeing with a selection of books... Read more Improve your breathwork during your yoga or meditation practices, or for everyday wellbeing with a selection of books to improve your technique. This curated library of classic and modern books contain breathing techniques that are rooted in scientific and spiritual belief systems to offer a broad range of knowledge, which can help with relaxation, stress, and improved organ and muscle function. Explore the full collection of Pranayama and breathwork books below to find a method that works for you.


Both works are largely collections of detailed descriptions of yogasanas (postures), breathing methods (pranayama), mudra, bandha, and, in the case of APMB, Shatkarma (cleansing practices.) Shatkarma is not well-known in the West, but it is a series of 6 cleansing practices that, along with asana and pranayama, are part of the trio making up Hatha Yoga.


Many yoga practitioners and teachers today spend many hours focusing on the perfection of physical asana. While building a strong and flexible body is essential to well-being, the breath is really what supports and guides such a practice. The pranayama resources we share below allow you to discover ways to use the breath more powerfully. And, in doing so, energetically awaken your body, mind, and spirit.


I just returned from a 21-day intensive yoga program here in Northern California. The days were split mostly between lecture, asana practice, and hands-on-teaching tools. A smattering of chanting and meditation were thrown in the mix. And, by far, my favorite moments were those we spent in exploring pranayama.


This is an area in which my own personal practice has been delinquent. While I set aside time each morning to meditation, and many afternoons to hit my mat for sun salutations and other asanas, I have by-and-large neglected my breathing. Yes, I use ujjayi pranayama in my physical practice. And, I occasionally use alternate nostril breathing, or nadi shodhana, to calm my mind before bed. Heck, I even throw in some split part breathing when working with private clients.


Regardless of translation, there are several breathing techniques used in the practice of Hatha yoga, all of which aim to enhance the functions of the body and mind. And, they are all under the umbrella of pranayama.


The average individual takes about 17,000 breathes per day, amounting to about 500 million breathes in a lifetime (See Chopra, 2004 below). Pranayama takes that mere process of breathing beyond mere automatic function and invites conscious awareness into the process.


The quality of the breath changes from moment to moment, and this book is designed to help you select specific breathing practices to support you at those specific points in your journey. In addition to providing more detail about the science of respiration, practical tools are provided to help you increase your skills in pranayama. If you like getting to the point on any subject, this book is for you. The format is straightforward and applicable!


This book not only covers the history and philosophy of pranayama, but it expands on practical ways you can implement them into your existing physical yoga regimen. Rosen also goes to great lengths to explain the multi-layered benefits of a pranayama practice. Due to the depth of content, this resource might scare off those new to the breathing consciously. Yet, when used in conjunction with some of the other great beginner books listed here, you will undoubtedly grow in your knowledge of pranayama as part of a larger self-care routine.


The breath, mind, and body are interconnected on deep levels. In this book, Chopra shares incredible ways to use all three to prevent deterioration that is often associated with aging. In order to sustain such a high quality of life, a new set of beliefs are set forth. When you embrace such perceptions and learn to master simple actions that support those ideas, you can enjoy each day with more abundant health and joy. An increased capacity to breathe through it all is part of this process.


Breathing is what keeps us alive in our human form, and there are ways in which we can use the breath to add nourishment and awakening into our experience. Pranayama, which refers to these conscious breathing techniques, go hand-in-hand with an active yoga practice and the pranayama resources recommended above are great guides for this part of your journey.


If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to pranayama, then Light on Pranayama is the book for you. It is written by B.K.S. Iyengar, a world-renowned yoga teacher, and offers a deep insight into the art and science of pranayama.


In the book, Iyengar explains the importance and philosophy of pranayama and offers a range of techniques for practitioners to try. The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, with each paragraph numbered for easy reference.


One of the strengths of Light on Pranayama is its depth of coverage. Iyengar goes into great detail on each technique, providing a wealth of information for readers to draw from. Additionally, the book includes a glossary of yoga terms, which can be helpful for those new to the practice.


However, some readers may find the writing style to be challenging to follow. Each paragraph is numbered, which can make the text seem disjointed at times. Additionally, the subject matter can be quite complicated, which may make it difficult for some readers to fully grasp.


Overall, if you are looking for a comprehensive guide to pranayama, then Light on Pranayama is definitely worth checking out. It offers a wealth of information and techniques for practitioners of all levels and is sure to be a valuable addition to any yoga library.


In this book, Maehle provides detailed descriptions of pranayama practices, including the benefits and contraindications of each practice. He also offers a comprehensive guide to the history and philosophy of pranayama, making it a great resource for those interested in exploring pranayama beyond just physical practice.


While the book is not suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced practitioners will find it to be a valuable resource for deepening their understanding and practice of pranayama. However, some readers may find the language and concepts difficult to understand, and the book is quite dense, requiring multiple readings to fully grasp the information.


In this book, Dr. Sundar provides step-by-step instructions for 37 different pranayama exercises, making it easy for beginners and experienced practitioners alike to incorporate pranayama into their daily routine. The book is well-written and concise, making it easy to follow along with the exercises.


One of the standout features of this book is the information provided on the benefits of pranayama and how to incorporate it into your daily routine. The author explains how practicing pranayama can help improve your overall health and well-being, making it an essential part of any yoga practice.


While some readers may find the book too short at only 154 pages, it is still a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about pranayama. However, more advanced practitioners may find the exercises too basic and not challenging enough.


The Art of War is a timeless classic that provides valuable insights into the strategies and tactics used in warfare. The book is well-written and easy to read, making it a great choice for anyone interested in the topic. The hardbound edition is of good quality and looks great, which makes it a great addition to any bookshelf.


However, the pages are quite thin, which may make it difficult to read for some people. Additionally, the book is quite expensive compared to other books on the same topic, which may be a concern for some readers. Finally, some people may find the content to be outdated or not applicable to modern warfare, which may limit its usefulness for some readers.


This book is written by Rolf Gates, a yoga teacher and addiction counselor, who shares his insights on the practice of yoga and how to apply it to daily life. Each day of the year has a short meditation, quote, and reflection on a variety of topics related to yoga philosophy.


One potential downside is that some readers may prefer a more traditional approach to yoga philosophy, as the author incorporates his own experiences and interpretations into the book. Additionally, the book is quite lengthy, with 448 pages, which may be overwhelming for some readers.


Essential Pranayama offers a collection of breathing techniques that are perfect for anyone looking to improve their breathing for various purposes. The book is written in a way that is easy to understand and follow, making it accessible to beginners and experienced practitioners alike.


The book is also short and concise, which means you can quickly get started with your breathing practice without having to wade through a lot of unnecessary information. However, some readers may find the book too short and wish for more in-depth explanations for each technique.


Consider your level of expertise in pranayama before choosing a book. Some books are written for beginners, while others are more advanced. Make sure to choose a book that is appropriate for your level of experience.

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