MOORCHHA PRANAYAMA (Swooning Breath)

 MOORCHHA PRANAYAMA (Swooning Breath)

At the end of inhalation gradually become fixed on jalandhara bandha, then exhale slowly. This is called the fainting or swooning pranayama as it makes the mind inactive and (thus) confers pleasure (69).

Moorchha pranayama is only to be done by advanced practitioners who have purified their bodies and who have a good capacity to retain the breath. With practice, the number of rounds can be increased and gradually extended from five minutes up to ten minutes. The purpose of this pranayama is to expand the consciousness and store prana.

Technique 1

Sit in padmasana or siddhasana/siddha yoni asana and prepare yourself for pranayama.

Place the palms of the hands on the knees and close the eyes. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose.

Practice antar kumbhaka with jalandhara bandha and shambhavi mudra.

Keep holding the breath for even longer than is comfortable.

Close the eyes, release jalandhara, raise the chin slightly and exhale ina very controlled manner.

Breathe normally for a minute or two before commencing the next round. Concentrate on the void sensation.

Technique 2

Prepare yourself as in Technique 1, making sure the body is firmly locked in position.

Breathe in slowly through both nostrils while raising the chin up, and head slightly back, but not so far that the position is strenuous.

Practice kumbhaka while straightening the elbows, raising the shoulders and performing shambhavi mudra. Retain the breath slightly longer than is comfortable. Then close the eyes, slowly lower the head and shoulders, and exhale in a controlled manner.

Breathe normally before commencing the next round and concentrate on the sensation of voidness.

Benefits

Moorchha pranayama clears the mind of unnecessary thoughts and reduces awareness of the senses and external world. Therefore, it is an excellent preparation for meditation and enhances dharana (concentration) practices. It helps reduce anxiety and mental tension and induces relaxation and inner awareness. Anyone suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure or vertigo must not attempt this practice.

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