Breath of Fire or Agni Prasana is a yoga breathing technique for cleansing and energizing breath. This technique focuses on long and deep breathing, pulling in and pushing out breath in a rhythmic manner. It requires learning of the Long Deep Breathing technique through the diaphragm to execute the Breath of Fire correctly.  Breath of Fire is practiced through the nose, inhalation and exhalation are of equal duration, the body stays relatively still and relaxed, only the naval point works vigorously.

Technique of Agni Prasana or Breath of Fire

You can get ou dizzy if yare new to this, so remember that this is not a racing contest.  Three rounds of one minute each are alright, though it might be best to start with shorter intervals if you are a beginner.

• This exercise can be done while seated comfortably or even in standing position.
• Preferably, sit with legs crossed and palms gently resting on your knees, lotus pose or hero pose are recommended.
•  Inhale through the nose and feel the belly expand with the breath.
•  Exhale through the nose and squeeze the stomach muscles in, drawing the belly button back towards the spine.
• Start slowly and rhythmically, as you get at ease with coordinating the in/out motion of the belly with the breath, begin to go quicker. Concentrate on the sound of the exhale; you will literally hear the “dog-sniffing” as you perform this breath.

 Benefits Agni Prasana or Breath of Fire:

• The breath of fire invigorates the nervous system
• The mind becomes clear
• Stress is released
• Anxiety and nervousness vanishes.
• Flush the toxins out of the blood stream.
• Increase the lungs capacity

Warning for practicing Agni Prasana or Breath of Fire

You should not carryout Breath of Fire or Agni Prasana if:-

1. You have breathing problems such as asthma
2. You suffer from dizzy spells
3. You are patient of epilepsy
4. You are suffering from heart problems
5. You have digestive problems such as ulcers or colitis

Related articles

• Ujjayi Pranayama or Occean Breath – Yoga Lesson Two (healthinessbox.com)
• Basic Breathing Techniques in Yoga – Lesson One (healthinessbox.com)
• Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath) – Yoga Lesson Five (healthinessbox.com)
• Viloma Pranayama (Intermittent Breathing) – Yoga Lesson Three (healthinessbox.com)
• Samhasana or Lions Breath Pranayama – Yoga Lesson Six (healthinessbox.com)
• Kapalabhati Pranayama (Shinning Forehead) – Yoga Lesson Four (healthinessbox.com)
• Nadi Shodhana or Alternative Nasal Breathing – Yoga Lesson Nine (healthinessbox.com)
• Sheetali Breathing or Cooling Breath – Yoga Lesson Eight (healthinessbox.com)