Using the Breath : Calming and Activating Pranayama

By Amy Geary

Even though I've been a yoga teacher for a few years I generally thought of the pranayama or breathwork part as always aiming toward grounding and soothing of the nervous system. I recently did a beautiful Pranayama training and went a bit deeper on the subject. 

The gentle forms of breath regulation—like deep belly breathing or lengthening the exhale—can of course be invaluable tools for managing anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm. They aim to remind the body that it is safe in the moment and can work beautifully for many. 

But there’s another side to the breath that’s equally powerful: activating pranayama. These practices use quicker, more energising rhythms to awaken us. Some techniques we looked at were practices such as kapalabhati (skull-shining breath) or Simha Pranayama (Lion's breath), which might put you in mind of something seen in the Māori Haka. 

These practices can help counter feelings of sluggishness, low motivation, or the heavy stillness that sometimes accompanies a low mood. These practices may gently stimulate the nervous system, build energy, and invite a sense of movement where stagnation has taken hold.

It can be worth exploring breath practices, whether in the yogic tradition or otherwise, that can provide activation when needed. Ask the body what it needs and then find the practice that may help get you there. The very popular Yoga by Adriene youtube channel is always a nice go to for follow along videos.