Ratio of breathing in Pranayama?

by Anitha Rani
(Bangalore)

I learnt yoga eight years back and I am still practising. But I forgot the ratio of breathing in Pranayama. I vaguely remember it as Puraka,Kumbhaka, Rechaka, Kumbhaka in the ratio of 4:5:5:3. Which is the correct one from beginner's in the point of view?

Answer

Ideal ratio of Puraka(Inhalation), Kumbhaka (Retention of breath) and Rechaka(Exhalation) is 1:4:2. However, it is advisable not to do kumbhaka for beginners. For beginners it is advisable to have ratio of Puraka and Rechaka as 1:2 to start with. Once your body gets conditioned and you become comfortable with pranayama technique then you may start retention of breath (kumbhaka). It is recommended to start pranayama with kumbhaka under the guidance of a yoga teacher. People with high blood pressure should not hold breath.

Daljit