Breath work - Physical Preparations For Pranayama

As pranayama involves an expansion of the breath, asanas can be used prior to open the chest in preparation. Mountain Pose Tadasana opens up the shoulders and begins chest opening. Lifting the arms up overhead continues this process. Putting the back up against a wall prevents the lower back hollowing and stabiles the trunk. Trikonasana Triangle Pose can identify asymmetries and enable correction.

Pranayama can be practiced sitting or lying with the focus on maintaining the chest opening gained from the preparation. Using a wall to support the back and feel alignment is useful. Lying over a folded blanket, blocks or a bolster encourages more chest opening.