Yoga Practice Name
Purak (पूरक)
- Bookmark
- Leave a review
- Share
- Report
- prev
- next
English Name
Prolonged Inhalation
Description and Steps
Description:
Puraka is the Sanskrit term for the inhalation phase of the breath in pranayama practice. It represents the conscious drawing in of breath, symbolizing nourishment and vitality. It is the preparatory and energizing aspect of the pranayama cycle.
Steps:
- Sit in a comfortable meditative posture (e.g., Padmasana, Sukhasana, or Vajrasana) with the spine upright and body relaxed.
- Close your eyes and bring awareness to your natural breath.
- Inhale slowly and deeply through both nostrils, expanding the chest and abdomen.
- Maintain awareness of the breath as it flows in—smooth, steady, and without strain.
- In some advanced practices, use Ujjayi (slight throat contraction) to regulate and deepen the inhalation.
- Complete Puraka when the lungs feel comfortably full, without tension.
- Optionally, follow with Antara Kumbhaka (internal retention) if part of a pranayama sequence.
General Benefits
- Increases lung capacity and respiratory efficiency
- Enhances oxygen supply to body and brain
- Activates the sympathetic nervous system, boosting alertness
- Calms the mind and prepares it for deeper pranayama
- Supports vital energy flow (prāṇa) throughout the body
- Strengthens the diaphragm and respiratory muscles
Cautions-Limitations-Contraindications
- Avoid deep inhalations if you have respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD without professional guidance.
- Do not force the breath—inhalation should be smooth, gradual, and natural to avoid strain.
- Avoid during high blood pressure or heart conditions without medical advice, as deep breathing may strain the system.
- Not recommended for pregnant individuals during intense pranayama practice.
- Practice on an empty stomach to avoid discomfort during inhalation.
- If you feel lightheaded or dizzy, stop immediately and resume normal breathing.
Complimentary Practice
- Nadi Shodhana – alternate nostril breathing, balancing the flow of prāṇa before or after inhalation.
- Ujjayi Pranayama – deep inhalation with slight throat constriction to enhance focus and control.
- Kapalbhati – cleansing exhalation followed by passive inhalation, helping to clear the airways.
- Bhastrika Pranayama – forceful inhalation and exhalation, energizing the body and stimulating the respiratory system.
- Moorchha Pranayama – deep and calming inhalation combined with breath retention for relaxation.
Similar Practices
1.Antara Kumbhaka, 2.Ujjayi, 3.Bhastrika, 4.Kapalbhati, 5.Nadi Shodhana
Practice Keynotes
- Inhale slowly and deeply, allowing the breath to fill your lungs without strain.
- Ensure smoothness and control during the inhalation, avoiding forceful or jerky breaths.
- Practice diaphragmatic breathing, expanding the belly first, then the chest, to fully utilize lung capacity.
- Maintain focus on the breath and keep the mind calm and centered during the inhalation.
- Avoid shallow breathing; aim for a long, deep inhalation that energizes without causing tension.
- If practicing with Ujjayi or other advanced pranayama techniques, ensure that the breath remains steady and rhythmic.
- Keep a relaxed posture with an erect spine and open chest, allowing for unobstructed airflow.
Practice Level
Gallery
