12/22/2025
In this video, I am guiding two very basic breathing patterns practiced in shavasana. Abdominal breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, and thoracic or chest breathing.
These are the most primary breaths to learn before starting any pranayama practice. Many people do not breathe efficiently and do not use their full lung capacity. These two simple practices create muscle memory and help the body understand how a full, complete breath actually feels.
We practice this in shavasana because lying down allows the belly to relax and the rib cage to expand naturally, making deep and full breathing accessible even for beginners.
This video is only 3 minutes long. Once you get the hang of the practice and stay actively engaged, you can continue for as long as you like.
Physically, you may notice the belly softening, the chest opening, and a sense of ease in the neck and shoulders as the breath becomes fuller. Physiologically, slow and aware breathing helps calm the nervous system, reduces stress responses, improves oxygen exchange.