Can practising kumbhak itself increase duration of kumbhak?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi,

I read somewhere that for increasing the period of kumbhak (breath retention)
long breathing (ratio breathing where the ratio between the duration of
inhalation and exhalation is maintained ; for example 1:2) must be practised.

I have very simple question here. Can practising kumbhak itself increase
duration of kumbhak ? Here I am assuming that one is maitaining kumbhak
as long as comfortable regularly.So , with practice , the duration that he
is able to comfortably maintain the kumbhak may increase? Of course I
make regular health assumptions that are required for kumbhak.

So which method is the best to increase duration of breath retention?
regular practising breath retention itself or some other method like
ratio breathing?

Thanks,
Deepak

#2

Hey Deepak, in my experience with Pranayama, it is best if the Kumbhaka happens on its own. Usually when I was very calm and naturally rested and at peace, I would hardly need to breath at all. But yet I did not retain my breath physically by using my muscles.

So I would say just do the practice and follow the schedule you feel comfortable with at this time and you will see that as you lose your focus on achievement, when you lose yourself in the moment doing it rather than trying to retain it or trying to achieve something with it, in these periods of peace and presence your breath becomes very still and you will feel the spaciousness of the kumbhaka without much need for breath at all.

But the safest elongation of kumbhaka is when it comes natural and is not forced by the muscles and will. This can be done by becoming more aware of your true nature, but it can also be done through just practicing pranayama without a strong need for achieving something through it. Because the need for achievement or improvement of the practice itself, will distract you from the peace and stillness of the present.

By being fully with your body and breath, naturally the breath will become calm and still.

Love,
B.