Yogic breathing is called pranayama, or "control of breath." It is used both during yoga and meditation to achieve different goals, such as relaxation, cleansing or awakening. You can practice pranayama in any position, as long as your spine is straight and erect, and perpendicular to the floor. This opens up the airway to allow air to move freely in and out of your lungs; bad posture will result in incomplete breaths and early fatigue.
Nadi Shodhana
Assume your preferred position, and use your right thumb to close your right nostril. Take a slow, deep breath through your left nostril, and hold it for a couple of seconds. Use your left thumb to close your left nostril, and exhale through your right nostril. Pause without taking a breath, then inhale through your right nostril, hold, and exhale through your left nostril. Repeat the process 10 to 15 times.
Ujjayi
Ujjayi pranayama benefits the ears, nose and throat, and is considered helpful to singers. Begin by inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply through your mouth. Tighten your throat by pulling in your Adam's apple until you produce a slight choking sensation, continuing to breathe. Keeping your throat constricted, close your mouth and begin breathing through your nose, using the same rhythm. Repeat 10 or 15 times.
Bhramri
Cover your ears with open palms, keeping your elbows level with your shoulders. Keeping your lips closed, inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs. As you exhale slowly, make a buzzing sound at the back of your throat. Repeat the process five to seven times slowly, pausing between each cycle. Keep the rhythm and timing of the buzzing the same throughout. Bhramri is known as "bee breath," and helps relieve tension.
Sheetali
Sheetali pranayama is a cooling exercise, and relieves both hot temperatures and tempers. Form your mouth into an "O" and curl the sides of your tongue to form a funnel. Inhale slowly and deeply through your mouth, like you are slurping air through a straw. Close your mouth and press your tongue to the back of your teeth as you exhale through your nose. Repeat five to 10 times.
Kapalbhati
Kapalbhati is thought to increase concentration and calm the mind. Inhale deeply, then quickly suck in your stomach, using your abs to forcefully expel the air from your lungs. Inhale passively, and repeat 20 to 30 times.
Sheetakari
Sheetakari is another cooling pradayama, useful during hot weather. Place your tongue at the base of your teeth, and gently close your jaw, keeping your lips slightly parted. Inhale and exhale slowly and deeply through your teeth, producing a sizzling sound as the air passes over your tongue.
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