Satyori — Viloma Pranayama Quick Card
Pranayama Quick Card
Viloma
Viloma Pranayama · Vi means 'against' or 'contrary'; Loma means 'hair' or 'the natural order' — breathing against the natural grain, or interrupted breathing
About
Viloma pranayama is a technique of interrupted or segmented breathing in which either the inhalation, the exhalation, or both are divided into distinct stages separated by brief pauses. Rather than breathing in one continuous stream, the practitioner introduces deliberate stops — typically two or three — creating a staircase-like pattern of progressive lung filling or emptying.
How to Practice
Sit in a comfortable posture with the spine erect and the body relaxed. For Viloma Stage I (interrupted inhalation): inhale for 2-3 seconds, filling the lower lungs, then pause and hold for 2-3 seconds with the breath suspended. Inhale again for 2-3 seconds, filling the middle chest, and pause again for 2-3 seconds.
Benefits
Viloma develops refined respiratory control and awareness that transfers to all other pranayama techniques. The segmented breathing pattern systematically opens and expands different regions of the lungs — lower, middle, and upper — improving overall lung capacity and ventilation efficiency.
Contraindications
Viloma is generally very safe and appropriate for most practitioners, including beginners and those with respiratory limitations. However, it should not be practiced during acute asthma attacks or active bronchospasm — the pauses can trigger additional bronchial constriction.
Dosha Effect
Viloma is tridoshic and safe for all constitutions when practiced appropriately. For Vata imbalance, Stage II (interrupted exhalation) is particularly calming, as it slows the exhalation and provides multiple moments of grounding stillness that settle agitated prana.
Classical Source
Systematized and popularized by B.K.S. Iyengar in Light on Pranayama (1981), where it is described as one of the most important preparatory pranayama techniques.
Dinacharya Guide
Viloma is one piece of a complete daily practice. The Dinacharya Guide gives you the full rhythm — ideal wake time, pranayama sequence, meals, movement, and evening practices matched to your dosha.