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One has to sit in any suitable meditative asana, keeping the spine in a straight and well-balanced condition.
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Eyes are closed gently so that at least one major external stimulation is cut off. This helps one to pay attention to the inner happenings.
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Inhalation for Puraka and exhalation for Rechaka is slow, smooth
and without any haste.
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The flow of air is kept uniform having same force
through out i.e., in most controlled way.
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Every Puraka and Rechaka must end quietly. The habit of expanding the chest or contracting the body
musculature violently at the end of Puraka and
Rechaka, respectively is avoided consciously.
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An attempt of snatching air at the end of Puraka and forcing out some more air at the end of Rechaka would disturb the next cycle of
Pranayama. Therefore Puraka and Rechaka should end pleasantly and smoothly without any strain.
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Rechaka is always given longer time than
Puraka. The orthodox proportion between Puraka and Rechaka is
1:2. In an effort to give double time for
Rechaka, one should not prolong it too much. Otherwise it may hasten the following
Puraka.
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Best way is to judge the time for which one can prolong the Rechaka easily and then allot just half the time for
Puraka.
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An orthodox practice of Pranayama consists of
a minimum of ten rounds at a stretch.
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Increase in the resistance of air passage
is another peculiarity of
Pranayama. Inhaling or exhaling through only right or left nostril or partial closure of glottis to produce sound reduces the air passage. Naturally, the volume of air passing in and out will be controlled. The ratio between the volume of air and the volume of blood
reaching the lungs will be different. This is because the ventilation is approximately reduced to 50%.
