Kundalini yoga is a branch of yoga based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan. While most of the Kundalini yoga poses should be familiar to an average yoga student, a few noticeable differences in style, philosophy and pose names should be noted. Kundalini yoga kriya -- cleansing exercise -- and pranayama -- breathing exercise -- are combined during the "breath of fire" exercise. "Breath of fire" uses stomach pumps and intense breathing to cleanse the respiratory system and tone the digestive system.
Step 1
Sit up straight, with your legs crossed comfortably and your hands resting on your lap or stomach.
Step 2
Inhale and let your belly soften.
Step 3
Exhale forcibly as you draw your belly button in toward your spine. "Breath of fire" is a rapid, forceful breath that uses the energy of your pumping stomach to propel more air out of your lungs.
Step 4
Pump the stomach in time with the breath -- pump out as you inhale and in as you exhale.
Step 5
Practice 25 to 30 cycles of breath, working your way up to 100.
Tips and Warnings
- "Breath of fire" is an intense breathing exercise that should be performed under the supervision of a knowledgeable yoga teacher.
- Do not perform "breath of fire" if you have a history of hyperventilation, epilepsy or blood pressure problems.
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