Breath of Fire: Everything You Need to Know

“Breath of Fire is not just a breath; it [creates] a state of being that connects you with your infinite potential.” — Unknown

What is Breath of Fire?

Breath of Fire is a rapid, rhythmic, and continuous breath that lasts approximately 2-3 cycles per second. The inhale and the exhale are of equal length, with no pause between them. It is practiced through the nostrils with a closed mouth, unless described otherwise in the kriya instructions.

Breath of Fire is powered by the diaphragm muscles and vigorously moves the Navel Point and solar plexus. To exhale, the air is expelled powerfully through the nose, by contracting the diaphragm rapidly. To start, you can do this by pulling the navel point and solar plexus in and back toward the spine. When this pull is relaxed, the air enters the lungs naturally, and you can then work toward a rapid yet comfortable rhythm.

When Breath of Fire is done correctly, there is no rigidity in the hands, feet, face, or abdomen, and the chest stays relaxed and slightly lifted throughout the entire breathing cycle.  

Some people find it easy to do Breath of Fire for a full 10 minutes right away. Others find that the breath creates an initial dizziness or giddiness. If this happens to you, take a break. It’s important to build up slowly so that you can assess how you feel. 

Some tingling, dizziness, and lightheadedness are completely normal as your body adjusts to the new breath and new stimulation of the nerves. Concentrating at the Third Eye Point (Ajna Chakra) may help relieve these sensations. Sometimes these symptoms are the result of toxins and other chemicals released by the breath technique. 

Benefits of Breath of Fire:

• Helps eliminate toxins from the lungs, mucous linings, blood vessels, and other cells.
• Enhances lung capacity and boosts overall vitality.
• Fortifies the nervous system to better handle stress.
• Restores balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
• Activates and strengthens the Navel Chakra.
• Improves physical endurance and readiness for action.
• Replenishes prana, providing oxygen, energy, and life force.
• Diminishes cravings for drugs, smoking, and unhealthy foods.
• Enhances oxygen delivery to the brain, promoting focus, intelligence, and a neutral mindset.
• Strengthens the immune system and may help prevent many diseases.

Contraindications for Breath of Fire and Alternatives:

Even though Breath of Fire has amazing benefits, it is not recommended if you have any of the following conditions:

• Cardiac problems or high blood pressure 
• Any spinal disorders
• Respiratory infections 
• Vertigo
• During pregnancy
• During  menstruation 

If you do have any of these conditions, ask your physician if it is healthy for you to practice this pranayama. If you cannot practice Breath of Fire, you can substitute Long Deep Breathing for it in any kriya or meditation. 

How to Begin Breath of Fire:

Learning Breath of Fire – Practice 1

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Learning Breath of Fire – Practice 2

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Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them:

There are three common problems to watch for when you begin practicing Breath of Fire:

• Paradoxical breathing. Many people learn to breathe backwards; they inhale by pulling the belly in, making less space for the breath, instead of  more. This is called paradoxical breathing, and it can be associated with unrealistic beauty standards, anxiety, and smoking habits. You can assess your own breathing by placing a hand on the chest and one on the belly and doing Breath of Fire slowly with total awareness, letting yourself feel the natural flow of the abdomen.
• Exaggerated pumping of the belly. Remember that Breath of Fire is light, gentle pumping of the diaphragm, not overly intense, athletic pumping. Breath of Fire is not a deep bellows cleansing breath that pumps the stomach with complete exhales and inhales. Breath of Fire is powered by  the diaphragm and can feel almost effortless once you find your rhythm.
• Loss of balanced ratio of the inhale and exhale. One way to get this ratio right is to do it wrong first. Try to inhale much more than you exhale with each cycle of Breath of Fire. Within 30 seconds you may sense an over-stimulated jumpiness and imbalance in your breathing. Then switch to a much greater exhale than inhale. Almost immediately you may sense a loss of strength, lethargy, distraction, or depression. Now make the breath exactly equal on the inhale and exhale. Listen to the sound of the breath and fall into a steady rhythm.

Suggested Kriyas and Meditations to Master Breath of Fire:

Pranayam Energizer Series

This 20-28 minute dynamic practice uses powerful breathing techniques to awaken your inner fire and elevate your energy.

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Breath of Fire With Lion’s Paws Kriya

This powerful kriya “Breath of Fire with Lion’s Paws” is a one-exercise practice designed to energize your mind and body.

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New Lungs & Circulation Kriya

This invigorating kriya focuses on strengthening your lungs and enhancing circulation throughout your body.

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