| Have you noticed that when you practice yoga, your | | | | bottom of the lungs and pumps oxygen into the |
| yoga teacher constantly reminds you to 'stay focused | | | | bloodstream. It is an energizing yoga breathing practice |
| on your breath', 'to relax and breathe into the pose' or | | | | which leaves you feeling energised and alert yet calm. |
| simply 'be still and observe your breath'? | | | | Sit in a comfortable upright sitting position and take a |
| As you are aware, yoga breathing exercises are an | | | | couple of deep breaths. Inhale and breath out quickly, |
| essential part of your yoga practice. Your breath is the | | | | pulling your abdomen in sharply. Repeat this pumping |
| source of all your energy. Have you noticed that when | | | | action for 20 - 40 breaths. Inhale slowly and deeply. |
| you are stressed, anxious or worried your breath is | | | | Exhale completely. Inhale and hold your breath for as |
| shallow, or when you are excited you breathe faster? | | | | long as you feel comfortable. Slowly exhale. Repeat |
| However, if you take deep breaths when excited you | | | | this sequence 2 - 3 times. |
| become calmer and your heart rate slows down. | | | | 2. Anuloma Viloma - Alternate Nostril Breathing. |
| Yoga is a journey and the more in tune you are with | | | | This is a very calming breathing practice. It helps to |
| your breath the easier it becomes for you to regulate | | | | balance the energies between the left and right sides |
| and control your emotions. Learning to breathe well is | | | | of the body. As it balances the flow the flow of |
| vital in your quest to live a healthier, richer life. When | | | | energy in the body Anuloma Viloma helps to purify and |
| you breathe well you radiate and fill your body with | | | | cleanse the nadis. Each round of Anuloma Viloma is |
| abundant energy, if the breath is shallow and poor, | | | | made up of 6 steps. |
| your energy is restricted and you lack motivation to | | | | Begin by sitting in a comfortable upright position. Using |
| achieve the things you wish to do. | | | | your right hand, tuck your index and middle fingers into |
| From a yogic perspective, your breath is the link | | | | your palm. Place your thumb on your right nostril, and |
| between your mind and your body. When you learn to | | | | your ring finger and little fingers on your left nostril. Rest |
| control your breath your body becomes steady and | | | | your left hand on your left knee. |
| you are able to calm your mind and feel at peace. | | | | Close your right nostril with your thumb, breathe in |
| There are many yogic breathing exercises you can | | | | through your left nostril for a count of four. |
| practice to bring about this state of union between | | | | Close both nostrils and retain the breath for a count of |
| your mind and body. Two of the more popular | | | | 16. |
| breathing techniques are Kapalabhati and Anuloma | | | | Breathe out through your right nostril, keeping the left |
| Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing). | | | | nostril closed with your ring and little fingers for a count |
| As with all exercises, please consult your doctor | | | | of 8. |
| before starting these breathing exercises and exercise | | | | Breathe in through your right nostril, keeping the left |
| caution and patience when practicing them. If you feel | | | | nostril closed for a count of 4. |
| light headed, dizzy or unwell, please stop, rest and | | | | Hold the breath, closing both nostrils again for a count |
| return to normal breathing | | | | of 16. |
| Two Popular Yoga Breathing Exercises to Improve | | | | Breathe out through the left nostril, keeping the right |
| Your Yoga Practice | | | | closed with your thumb for a count of 8. |
| 1. Kapalabhati - Shining Skull. Although a breathing | | | | If you are new to Anuloma Viloma, just spend a few |
| exercise, Kapalabhati is considered a yoga kriyas | | | | rounds getting used to breathing in and out through |
| (cleansing) exercise. However Kapalabhati is regularly | | | | your nose using the different hand positions. |
| practiced in yoga classes. This exercise uses rapid | | | | Regular practice of Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma |
| breathing, which encourages a fresh exchange of | | | | will encourage full deep breathing which over time |
| oxygen rich air whilst cleansing the entire respiratory | | | | strengthens your ability to hold and maintain your yoga |
| system. | | | | exercises and prepares you to sit for longer periods of |
| Kapalabhati consists of a series of rapid "pumpings" | | | | meditation. If you have any questions, please contact |
| exhalations and passive inhalations, followed by | | | | me. |
| retention of the breath. This clears stale air from the | | | | |