Trinity of Truth Tip: The Breath of Fire

One of my favorite pranayama techniques is called The Breath of Fire. It is considered an advanced technique, but I often teach it to beginners because the results are immediate and powerful. This technique gets its name because it is associated with the lumbar, or third, chakra, which is associated with the "fire" element.

The practice begins with an exhalation instead of the more natural inhalation and breathing is done entirely through the nose.* Begin by sitting upright, feet flat on the ground, and place your hands on your lap (palms turned upward is best). It might be helpful, at first, to hold your hands at the navel area so you can get a feel for how your belly is moving which should visibly be thrusting in and out.

To begin, throw out ALL your breath through your nose (keeping your mouth closed will help) with great force while at the same time thrusting your navel back into your spine. Let your inhalation come on its own with no effort or thought of it. Pick up the pace—it is meant to be a bit aggressive, heating up (like a fire). A good goal is one full breath (inhale and exhale) per second. To help, mentally count "1-1000, 2-1000, 3-1000" and so on, until you get a feel for it. If you feel light headed at any point, stop. There's no hurry.

You can start with just a few rounds and build up to 25 rounds or more (do as much feels right for you). This technique will wake you up and bring you into the present moment, here, now, and fast! It is super energizing and works great to clear the cobwebs out of your head! I do this pranayama more often than any other. It works wonders!

*If breathing is constricted in your nose, it is okay to use your mouth.