| Are you aware of your breath? Chances are, unless | | | | you do. When you breathe well you have more |
| you have a background in performing arts, you | | | | energy and vitality. Some Eastern schools refer to |
| probably take your breath for granted and don't realise | | | | prana as chi or ki. |
| the power of your breath. However, when you | | | | 3. What is "pranayama" - what does it do? |
| practice yoga you will notice that your yoga teacher | | | | Pranayama is a Sanskrit word and means "control of |
| pays a lot of attention to your breath and will regularly | | | | the breath/prana". The purpose of pranayama is to |
| remind you to tune in and be aware of it. | | | | increase your physical and mental health. Pranayama |
| Breathing correctly and practicing breathing exercises | | | | is the term given to yoga breathing exercises, for |
| form an integral part of your yoga practice. | | | | example Alternate Nostril Breathing. |
| As a yoga teacher I receive many inquiries from | | | | 4. What is the connection between my breath, mind |
| potential students about breathing exercises; why are | | | | and body? Your breath is your connection between |
| they included in a session and the benefits and | | | | your mind and your body. Have you noticed that when |
| purpose of using your breath correctly. | | | | you are stressed, upset or tired, you tend to hold your |
| Here are the five most popular questions I am asked | | | | breath and your breath is short, shallow and maybe |
| by new yogis about yoga breathing exercises. | | | | rapid? When stressed, friends may advise you to |
| 1. Should I breathe through my nose or my mouth? | | | | "take a deep breath". By being aware of how you are |
| This is one of the most popular questions I am asked. | | | | breathing, you are more able to control your emotions |
| Generally speaking, in yoga, breathing is done | | | | and changes in the way you feel. |
| consciously through your nose. Your nostril is lined with | | | | 5. What are yoga breathing exercises? Yoga |
| tiny filters. When you breathe in through your nose, | | | | breathing exercises are specific exercises you |
| these tiny filters cleanse your in breath of dust, pollen | | | | practice as part of your daily yoga practice or during a |
| and other airborne germs and pollutants. Your mouth | | | | yoga lesson. There are many different types of |
| does not have this protective filter, which means if you | | | | exercises but their purpose is always the same, to |
| breathe in through your mouth you may have a dry | | | | increase your vital energy, to cleanse the body and |
| mouth and pick up all kinds of airborne germs. | | | | calm, clear and steady your mind. These exercises are |
| 2. What is prana? Yoga philosophy teaches you that | | | | an ideal preparation for meditation. |
| your breath is your life. Learning to breathe correctly | | | | Learning how to breathe well is vital to ensure you get |
| enhances the quality of your life. Breathing is the most | | | | the most of your life, improve your health and live well. |
| important function of your body. It is the source of | | | | Take a deep breath in now and slowly release it. |
| energy. "Prana" is your life force and is the energy | | | | Repeat this three to five times and see for yourself |
| which flows through your whole body. It is the physical | | | | just how great you feel. |
| manifestation of your breath and is instrumental in all | | | | |