YMCA Breathing Techniques & Pranayama 2

Question 1

Bhramari pranayama is distinguished by which unique feature during exhalation?

Accepted Answer

A humming sound made at the back of the throat

Answer

Tongue curling to cool the breath

Answer

Rapid nostril flaring

Answer

Breath retention before exhaling

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of Sitali pranayama in yoga practice?

Accepted Answer

Cooling the body and calming the mind

Answer

Energizing and stimulating the body

Answer

Building internal heat for detoxification

Answer

Strengthening the diaphragm through resistance

Question 3

Which pranayama practice should be used with caution or avoided for students with uncontrolled high blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Kapalabhati with prolonged breath retention

Answer

Nadi Shodhana without retention

Answer

Sitali

Answer

Bhramari

Question 4

The Sanskrit term 'Antara Kumbhaka' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Breath retention after inhalation (full retention)

Answer

Breath retention after exhalation (empty retention)

Answer

Forced exhalation technique

Answer

Alternating nostril method

Question 5

In Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), which nostril is traditionally used to begin the practice?

Accepted Answer

Left nostril — close it first and inhale through the right

Answer

Right nostril — close it first and inhale through the left

Answer

Either nostril — no traditional starting side

Answer

Both nostrils briefly before switching

Question 6

Which muscle is considered the primary muscle of respiration?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm

Answer

Internal intercostal muscles

Answer

Rectus abdominis

Answer

Pectoralis major

Question 7

Bhastrika pranayama is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Rapid, forceful inhalations AND exhalations resembling a bellows

Answer

Slow, cooling inhalations through a rolled tongue

Answer

Alternating nostril breathing with retention

Answer

Humming on the exhalation only