Swana pranayama (panting breath) can be done at the start of a pranayama sequence, after natural breathing and body relaxation and before kapalbhati and bhastrika pranayama. This is a form of agnisara kriya, a cleansing technique that ignites, increases the power, and cleanse the digestive system.
The practice involves abdominal movement combined with breathing through the mouth. This is one of only a few pranayama practices that involves breathing through the mouth.
With swana pranayama, it is not the diaphragm that is the primary muscle used but rather the abdominal muscles. The technique can be done with or without breath holding and bandhas (body locks).
Technique
Sit in bhadrasana (kneeling with buttocks resting on the heels). Hands should be resting on the knees. You can also do this standing by leaning forward, back straight with hands resting on knees. Fingers should be pointing inwards or towards the body.
Start by breathing slowly and deeply through the nose for a few breaths. Then stick the tongue out (like a panting dog) and breathe forcefully through the mouth using the abdominal muscles for 10 breaths. When you breathe in the stomach should extend out and when you exhale the stomach should contract inwards.
Rest and return to natural breathing.
Do another 4 rounds, gradually increasing from 10 breaths to 25-30 breaths.
For more advanced students, swana pranayama can also be done with breath holding and bandhas. To do this, after the last exhalation on each round inhale, apply jalandhara, moola bandha, and uddiyana bandha, and hold your breath for as long as is comfortable. Release the locks in reverse order and exhale through the nose. Return to natural breathing and continue on to the next round.
Contraindications
This technique should be done on an empty stomach. If possible, leave 3-4 hours after last eating.
Those with heart disease, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, overactive thyroid should not do swana pranayama. As always, if in any doubt consult a medical professional.