Prerequisites: strong asana practice, ongoing pranayama practice (ujjayi, anuloma viloma, kapalabhati, bhastrika, etc.) Class Duration: 90 minutes Location :Nawa Saraan Healing Space, Chiang Mai, Thailand
WHAT is Kumbhaka?
Kumbhaka is an advanced form of pranayama (yogic regulation of the breath) where the breath is held - either after the inhale or after the exhale.
WHEN do you begin a Kumbhaka Practice? According to the Sivananda tradition, kumbhaka is the most important part of pranayama - but needs progressive pranayama practice to even get to that level where kumbhaka can be started. Breathing has to be done proficiently first to strengthen the lungs, and to balance the pranic and the nervous systems.
Through proper pranayama practices, prana is activated, purified, fortified, absorbed and retained. Pranayama also unblocks the nadis making the flow of prana smooth and continuous. Only at this level of proficiency can the practice of kumbhaka begin.
Tip: kumbhaka will increase the difficulty of breathing. But breathing MUST always remain slow, deep and steady. If the subtlety of the breath cannot be maintained because of kumbhaka, then you are holding the breath too long. Shorten the breath-hold!
What are the Different TYPES of Kumbhaka?
antara/antar/puraka kumbhaka - holding the breath after the inhale. The lungs are full
bahya/bahir/rechaka kumbhaka - holding the breath after the exhale. The lungs are empty
kevala kumbhaka - spontaneous cessation of the breath - the need to breathe no longer exists. This usually happens in a deep state of samadhi(a deep state of meditative absorption)
Tip: Strictly nose-breathing only. No mouth-breathing!
What are the BENEFITS of Kumbhaka? I offer my own version based on my practice (unless stated otherwise).
all the benefits of pranayama are inherent in kumbhaka but more amplified. e.g. - if pranayama moves prana vayu, then kumbhaka moves prana vayu with more force. I would imagine kumbhaka as pranayama on steroids.
nearly all bandhas are done with kumbhaka. Therefore, before bandhas are practiced, the student has to be proficient in kumbhaka already (as a prerequisite to bandha).
in the Wim Hof method, kumbhaka gives rise to kundalini awakening
it gives you a high without the crash landing(obviously this is not the ideal motivation for learning kumbhaka, but it's there for the taking)
extends life (because the number of breaths determines life span - so by slowing it down or stopping it altogether, it takes a longer time to reach that final number)
kumbhaka controls the flow of prana
kumbhaka calms the mind and controls the thought processes
gives great strength to the mind and body - according to Dr. Varunveer
Contra-Indication Kumbhaka is not suitable to pregnant women or people with emphysema, asthma, heart condition, hypertension and high blood pressure
What is Antara Kumbhaka? Antara Kumbhaka is a breath-hold on the inhale when the lungs are fully inflated. It is an advanced form of pranayama(yogic regulated breath) that should be attempted only when the yogi is already proficient in asana(physical postures) and pranayama. The length of the breath-hold is done according to a timed ratio. It should be held as long as possible without straining. This class is a primer.
What is Nadi Shodan / Anuloma Viloma? Nadi Shodan or Anuloma Viloma, by its very name, is all about cleansing the nadis(energy pathways of prana). Nadi Shodan is intended to be developed over a long period - from plain pranayama, to the addition of kumbhaka and finally the integration of bandha. It is foolish to rush to the advanced stages without establishing a strong foundation on the basics. By perfecting every stage before moving to the next level, the body, the nervous system and the mind are given ample time to process subtle changes to personality, emotional shifts, and mental clarity.
Nadi Shodan(Anuloma Viloma) breath-hold: Arek, Calum, Gordon and Nat
The 90-Minute Class
introduction - what is kumbhaka? what are the benefits?
stretches - neck, all the way down to calves and ankles. Limbering, free-style movement, exploring range of motion, etc.
warm-up - Surya Namaskar A/B
antara kumbhaka on Nadi Shodan / Anuloma Viloma
Antara kumbhaka on anumoma viloma activates various brain centers and harmonizes the prana. This process gives rise to kundalini awakening, especially the long-hold ratios.
To prevent energy surges, this class intersperses slow asana between the breath-holds. It can be a simple Surya Namaskar or one-legged poses, as long as it's slow, so the meditative flow is not disrupted.
Tip 1: before doing the next inhale after a breath-hold, make a quick small exhale from the same nostril. Same thing when doing an exhale. This quick insertion makes the switch from outbreath to inhale (and vise versa), smoother.
Tip 2: awareness is always on the breath...like a shadow. When you catch the mind drifts, gently bring it back to follow the breath.
First stage(according to tradition): do anuloma viloma with the same length of time for inhale, antara kumbhaka and exhale. Ratio is 1:1:1. No breath-hold after the exhale. Start at 5 slow counts and do 10 rounds. Try to reach 10:10:10 as a goal.
What we did: a uniform 5:5:5 count for 4 minutes - less mental strain. By timing it, everyone gets to do the breathing/holding within their own count and capacity.
Second stage(according to tradition): Ratio lengthens on the exhale 1:1:2. Start with 5 slow counts, 10 rounds(5 counts on inhale, 5 counts on retention, 10 counts on exhale). Try to reach 10:10:20 as a goal.
What we did: a uniform 5:5:10 count for 4 minutes - less mental strain. By timing it, everyone gets to do the breathing/holding within their own count and capacity. If there was already a strain on the 10-count, then they have to speed up their counting (instead of retaining the same speed and lowering down the count - so as not to add mental strain). The rule is: NO STRAIN
Third stage(according to tradition): Ratio lengthens breath-hold and on the exhale 1:2:2. Start with 5 slow counts, 10 rounds(5 counts on inhale, 10 counts on retention, 10 counts on exhale). Try to reach 10:20:20 as a goal.
What we did: a uniform 5:10:10 count for 4 minutes - less mental strain. By timing it, everyone gets to do the breathing/holding within their own count and capacity. If there was already a strain on the 10-count, then they have to speed up their counting (instead of retaining the same speed and lowering down the count - so as not to add mental strain). The rule is: NO STRAIN
Fourth stage(according to tradition): Ratio lengthens breath-hold more 1:3:2. Start with 5 slow counts, 10 rounds(5 counts on inhale, 15 counts on retention, 10 counts on exhale). Try to reach 10:30:20 as a goal.
What we did: a uniform 5:15:10 count for 5 minutes - less mental strain. By timing it, everyone gets to do the breathing/holding within their own count and capacity. If there was already a strain on the 15-count, then they have to speed up their counting (instead of retaining the same speed and lowering down the count - so as not to add mental strain). The rule is: NO STRAIN
Fifth stage(according to tradition): Ratio lengthens breath-hold more 1:4:2. Start with 5 slow counts, 10 rounds(5 counts on inhale, 20 counts on retention, 10 counts on exhale). Try to reach 10:40:20 as a goal.
What we did: a uniform 5:20:10 count for 5 minutes - less mental strain. By timing it, everyone gets to do the breathing/holding within their own count and capacity. If there was already a strain on the 20-count, then they have to speed up their counting (instead of retaining the same speed and lowering down the count - so as not to add mental strain). The rule is: NO STRAIN
Advanced stage: Further advancing the practice of kumbhaka is to add the bandhas. But the practitioner needs to be firmly established on kumbhaka first before bandha is undertaken. Bandha Yoga classes will be offered separately to those already proficient. Bandha at this stage further purifies and balances the pranic forces.
Ending Thoughts When I first started my Pranayama/Kumbhaka practice, it was back in 2008 when there wasn't much materials I could gather. With no teacher, I simply had to biohack based on limited information. Knowing now how it is supposed to be done, I would categorically say that my approach then was nothing short of reckless. Fortunately, I already had a strong practice and I was on top of my fitness. My body was able to handle the 2-week energy surge, or what I would call the Superman Effect.
For this class, I made sure the process was in accordance to tradition - getting proper grounding and getting established stage by stage. The advance breath-holds will have to wait.
(Jul 19, 2021) When friends were invited to Pizza Nite, they said it was 'complicated' bringing in everything they need to make a pizza. But two daring souls unflinchingly stepped-up to the plate. Let's see what pizza magic they have!....more »»
(Jul 20, 2021) Traditional yoga has been paired with many other activities ranging from the questionable (SUP Yoga), ridiculous (Beer Yoga), lofty (Aerial Yoga), intense (Hot Yoga), and bare (Naked Yoga). Now comes another one - Hypnosis Yoga. How does it measure up?....more »»
(Aug 14, 2021) Bahya Kumbhaka (breath-hold on the exhale) is an advanced form of Pranayama (yogic regulated breath). This can be attempted when the yogi is already proficient in asana (physical postures) and pranayama. This class is a primer.....more »»
Chiang Mai INFORMATION
Chiang Mai Map
Chiang Mai, Thailand
IMPORTANT PLACES
Bus Station Train Station Chiang Mai International Airport Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily
HOTEL
Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families
MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
hot season begins March and lasts until June
wet season begins July and lasts until September
best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
North Gate Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
Chiang Mai Cost Index
B60 Chiang beer
B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage(highly recommended)
B50 noodle soup with meat
B50 coffee
B40 pad thai
B30/kilo wash-only laundry
B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
B100-150 dorm bed/night
B250 fan room/night
B30 internet cafe/hour
B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
B130-150 Movies weekdays
B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva(highly recommended)
Transportation
B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Book Online - direct booking with State Railway of Thailand. Best to register first. If going to BKK from CNX, click "Northern Line".
note -- big difference between booking direct with the State Railway and booking with an online 3rd party agent. 12GO was charging B1330 for the same trip that only cost me B941 with the State Railway.
note -- Oct 2022, I took the #10 Train from CNX to BKK, upper berth, 2nd class, a/c, sleeper, B941. The train was clean, fast, comfortable and modern. If you have heavy luggage that will cost more money in flight checkin, I would suggest this train. Otherwise, the flight now is so much cheaper it doesn't even make sense to take the bus or train.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station
10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus
From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days
This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.
60-Day Thai Tourist Visa
NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.
Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
b) flight booking to Thailand
c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
d) filled-in tourist visa form
e) 2 passport pictures
f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
g) passport with at least 6 months validity
After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.
30-Day Extension
NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.
bring the following to the Immigration Office:
a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
b) Baht 1900
c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!