| Breathing correctly is essential to staying in good | | | | oxygen and then rhythmically pumping it out without |
| health. Are you doing everything that you can to | | | | tensing the abdominal muscles, chest or rib cage. |
| improve your breathing? Most people don’t even | | | | Breath of Fire is similar to the action of a bellows that |
| realize how shallow and fast their breathing normally is | | | | is used to stoke a fire, and it’s usually the second |
| and that illnesses can result from not getting enough | | | | breathing technique that is taught in Yoga. |
| oxygen. | | | | |
| | | | | 3. Bastrika – Bastrika is a Hatha Yoga breathing |
| There are many Yoga breathing exercises that are | | | | technique that focuses on breathing in a very light, fast |
| done in repetitive patterns to help improve health and | | | | and rhythmic way. Bastrika is similar to the Breath of |
| mental clarity. If you want to start breathing more | | | | Fire except that the Breath of Fire stresses a much |
| deeply and being more aware of your breath and how | | | | deep inhalation. Bastrika breathing can also raise your |
| it affects your health you can do these 5 Yoga | | | | metabolism. |
| breathing exercises every day: | | | | |
| | | | | 4. Kabalabati – This type of breathing is used |
| 1. Long Deep Breathing – This is usually the first | | | | primarily to cleanse the body, specifically the chest. It is |
| Yoga breathing exercise that is taught to beginners | | | | supposed to get rid of stress and tension in the chest |
| because it’s the easiest to do. Long Deep | | | | and throat and also is supposed to clear the body of |
| Breathing mainly consists of building an awareness of | | | | mucus. |
| the contraction and distention of the diaphragm during | | | | |
| breathing. People that aren’t used to Yoga | | | | 5. Alternate Nostril Breathing – This is a very |
| breathing might have a little trouble doing Long Deep | | | | common Yoga breathing exercise where you inhale |
| Breathing at first but once you have done it a few | | | | through one nostril, hold the breath, and then exhale |
| times it will become second nature. | | | | that breath out through the other nostril. This type of |
| | | | | breathing is usually done to bring balance and oxygen |
| 2. Breath of Fire – Breath of Fire is primarily a | | | | to both sides of the brain. Alternate Nostril Breathing |
| Kundalini Yoga technique that focuses on pulling in | | | | promotes creativity, mental clarity and alertness. |