Also known as the loud breathing technique, the Ujjayi is performed by breathing through both nostrils while keeping the glottis closed to a degree. This technique is used in order to increase your control over the activity of your lungs. It also functions as a method of clearing the throat. The name comes from the fact that the air passing through the partially closed glottis makes a constant and fluent sound. Yogis try to eliminate nasal sounds and to keep the constant flow of air and sound on a harmonious tone.

In order to correctly practice this breathing method you have to use chin lock and also employ the closure of both nostrils. Keep the pause for as long as you can and gently exhale at the end. The left nostril is usually used to let out the air. In case you kept your nostrils closed with your fingers you can simply release pressure of the left nostril and the air will flow out naturally. Simultaneously with releasing the nostril try to unlock the chin and open the glottis to a higher extent.

Inhaling air should be given half the time you reserve for exhaling. Determining the precise inhalation and exhalation times is different for each person but you will probably find this out yourself while practicing Ujjayi. Holding the pause for a long time between breathing in and out might be difficult to do. In time, however, you will be able to hold the pause as long as the exhalation time.

The Sun Salutation yoga pose is recommended for practitioners of all ages and especially for the ones who cannot dedicate a lot of time to their yoga routine. The reason why this pose is so highly appreciated has to do with the fact that it involves most of the muscle groups, as well as the respiratory system.

In fact, the Sun Salutation is a sequence of twelve yoga positions, linked together by a flowing motion and accompanied by five deep special breaths. Each of the twelve positions contributes to stretching a different part of the body and different muscle groups. Moreover, it helps expanding and contracting the chest in order to regulate breathing.

Specialists and yoga trainers recommend this exercise for the daily routine, as it can contribute in a very efficient way to the flexibility of your spine and joints.

* The first of the twelve positions require you to stand up with your feet together. Your palms should be in praying position, in front of your chest. Once you make sure your weight is evenly distributed, exhale profoundly.

* While inhaling, push the arms up, keep the legs straight and relax the neck.

* While exhaling fold your body forward, press your palms down and try to place your fingertips in line with your toes.

* While inhaling bring a leg back and place it on the floor. Arch your back and lift the chin.

* Bring the other leg back and try to support your weight on hands and toes. Keep your chin down and retain your breath, while performing this move.

* While exhaling, lower your knees and then your forehead, but keep your hips up and make sure your toes are curled under.

* Lower your hips, while inhaling. Point your toes and bend as back as possible. Your shoulders should be kept down and your legs together.

* Curl your toes under and, while exhaling, raise your hips. You should end up in a V position. You should push your heels and head down, while keeping your shoulders back.

* While inhaling, step forwards and place one of your legs between the hands. Keep your chin up, while resting the other knee on the floor.

* Bring the other leg forward and bend down from the waist keeping your palms on the floor. Exhale.

* While inhaling, stretch your arms forward and then up and back over your head and try to slowly bend back.

* Return to the upright standing position, while exhaling, and bring your arms to your sides.

This pose is considered to be one of the best yoga asanas and it is very popular with yoga practitioners. However, this pose must be accompanied by deep breathing, otherwise it will not be more than an acrobatic looking position. The shoulder stand pose was also adopted by gymnasiums and sports training facilities and it can be performed both by men and women with maximum efficiency.

Begin the pose by lying on your back, with the legs straight and close together and the arms parallel with the torso. Raise your legs towards the ceiling, and point your toes upward. Let the weight of your body rest on the neck muscles and on the deltoid muscles of the shoulders. Support the back and legs into the vertical position by allowing your hands to give the lower back the balance it requires. While going into the pose breathe deeply.

Hold the pose with your legs and spine straight. Begin to breathe slowly and deeply while concentrating on the thyroid gland. It is located in the neck area so the shoulder stand will have a profound effect on it, increasing its tone. Hold the pose for a couple of minutes for best effects.

When you are ready to come out of the shoulder stand curve your back and knees simultaneously and lower them to the ground. Remove your hands and place them flat on the floor. When the back is completely flat on the floor, straighten the knees and gently lower the legs.