11:15am Sunday, 08 Feb
Deepening Pranayama: Extended Counts & Retention (Intermediate) [Copied]
With Darshak N Gala
This session is designed specifically for regular pranayama practitioners looking to safely and steadily deepen their practice. We will work with intentionally extended inhalation, retention, and exhalation ratios — an approach best suited for those already comfortable with foundational breathwork.
This focused practice is designed to cleanse the subtle energy channels (nadis). Regular practice harmonizes the left and right hemispheres of the brain, creating deep equilibrium in body and mind while reducing anxiety and promoting better sleep.
We begin with gentle rib cage expansion exercises, then move into a structured sequence including:
Kapalabhati — 3 rounds of 100 pumps, with breath retentions of up to 60 seconds after each round,
Anulom Vilom — 8 rounds with a 4:16:8 ratio,
Box Breathing — progressive rounds of 4:4:4:4 → 5:5:5:5 → 6:6:6:6.
The class concludes with a quiet Savasana, allowing the nervous system to absorb the effects of practice.
Important Note: Longer breath retentions and extended ratios require prior familiarity with pranayama practice. If you are new to pranayama or have not practiced retentions before, please build a foundation first — advanced breath techniques without preparation can strain both body and mind.
Prepare: Practice on an empty stomach (at least 3 hours after a meal),
A quiet, comfortable seat (cushion or chair),
Minimal distractions.
⏱️ ~45 minutes