pranayama yoga

Meanings

1. 1noununcountabletechnical

   A style of yoga that focuses on controlling the breath through slow, deliberate breathing exercises.

   Grammar: Uncountable: no plural and no 'a/an', as in 'She teaches pranayama yoga'.

   Patterns

   • practice pranayama yoga
   • teach pranayama yoga
   • a pranayama yoga class

   He practices pranayama yoga every morning to calm his mind before work.

   Our teacher explained that pranayama yoga uses the breath to steady the body and thoughts.

   If you have trouble sleeping, a short session of pranayama yoga may help you relax.

2. 2noununcountabletechnical

   The breathing techniques used in yoga, especially slow breathing in a fixed rhythm.

   Grammar: Often shortened to just 'pranayama' when the context is already about yoga.

   Patterns

   • do pranayama
   • learn pranayama
   • pranayama breathing

   The class began with ten minutes of pranayama before the physical postures.

   She learned pranayama from a teacher in India.

Common combinations

practice pranayama yoga

Many people practice pranayama yoga to reduce stress.

a pranayama yoga class

I signed up for a pranayama yoga class on Tuesday evenings.

pranayama breathing

Pranayama breathing slowed her heartbeat after the long run.

do pranayama

We do pranayama for a few minutes at the start of every session.

Synonyms and how they differ

breathwork

A modern, general English term for controlled breathing exercises; it is wider than pranayama yoga and not tied to Indian tradition.

yogic breathing

A plain descriptive phrase with the same meaning; it sounds less technical than 'pranayama yoga'.

Word family

pranayama noun

The breathing exercises themselves, without the word 'yoga'.

yogi noun

A person who is expert in yoga.

Commonly confused: pranayama yoga or pyjama?

Practice

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