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Pranayama (yogic breathing, general)

प्राणायाम

A listing is not a recommendation.

Origin: India · Tradition: Yoga · Breathing

What it is

A general name for yogic breathing methods. They range from slow nasal breathing to alternate-nostril and forceful breathing. They are also widely used today for stress and for awareness of the breath.

A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)

Start by breathing naturally through the nose, with a slowly lengthened out-breath.
Breath-holding and vigorous breathing should be done with a teacher.
If you feel dizzy, return to ordinary breathing.

Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice

Stress or unease
Breathing
Blood pressure (general mention)
Sleeplessness
Focus and thinking

Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)

C: Preliminary, small, or lower-quality studies, or mixed results. These notes should not be over-read

There is preliminary research on breathing methods for blood pressure and anxiety, but the techniques vary and quality is mixed. NCCIH treats them as part of relaxation or yoga.

Sources

Safety notes

Over-breathing, an asthma attack, forceful methods in pregnancy, and breath-holding in glaucoma or heart disease.

If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.

Situations in which this is better avoided

Forceful techniques in unmanaged severe respiratory or circulatory disease
Vigorous breathing methods in pregnancy