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Common Questions and Answers about Pranayama

Answers Provided by Cori Martinez

Is Pranayama safe?

Pranayama is safe provided you follow some common sense rules. If you are suffering from a breath related problem such as asthma, emphysema, shortness of breath etc., talk to your physician and get a clearance before beginning serious breathing exercises. If you are prone to dizziness or loss of consciousness, chose a posture to minimize problems during the exercise (such as lying down rather than standing or sitting up) and DISCONTINUE any practices that have this effect until you can monitor with an experienced teacher or medical provider. Also keep in mind that the biggest problem encountered by beginning yoga students is the tendency to push beyond our limits. All pranayama exercises should be smooth and simple. Pranayama is not about how long you can practice a certain technique, it is about guiding one’s breath in a way that ultimately allows it to come out smoother and more relaxed, so that our physical, mental and emotional bodies are more balanced. If at any time you feel the need for more air, stop and take some extra breaths. Pranayama emphasizes conscious breathing. As long as we pay close attention to the reaction of the body during these breathing practices, we have nothing to fear. Any negative effects are cause for adjustment to the practice.

Is it safe to do pranayama practices while pregnant?

The complete breath and alternate nostril breathing are considered to be safe and recommended during pregnancy. Both yoga and pranayama training will help pregnant women learn to fight the urge to tighten up in labor during pain and teach them how to relax and open up instead. Pumping the belly, highly cleansing breaths or holding the breath for long periods of time is generally not recommended during pregnancy.

What if I cannot breathe through one or both nostrils?

If you are congested in both nostrils, all of your breathing will need to be done through your mouth. While this can still be an effective route for bringing oxygen into the body it is not an ideal time to embark on a deep pranayama practice. Our respiratory systems are designed to filter the air more effectively if we breathe in through the nose. If one nostril is congested and you wish to practice some type of alternate nostril practice, visualizing the alternate nostril practice without manually closing off either side can be very effective and induce similar effects.

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