Pranayama
Pranayama refers to breathing exercises which clear the physical and emotional obstacles in our body to free the breath and so the flow of prana - life energy
Benefits of Pranayama
Why is the breath so important?
It’s the first thing and last thing we do in our lives. The one constant thing we all have. Without breath there is no life!
Daily stressors, tensions and physical habits can create physical and energetic obstacles in our bodies. Without even noticing it our breathing can become gradually more shallow or stilted. We can develop unconscious breathing patterns restricting the flow of breath and prana.
When we work on freeing the breath through pranayama (breathing exercises) we are also working on letting the life energy flow through the body. It has the effect of energizing, relaxing and healing the body, letting everything fall into place. It literally increases and balances the life energy in your system.
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Through regular and sustained Pranayma practise we can super charge body and mind.
Pranayama Exercises
Ujjayi
It involves inhaling and exhaling through the nose while constricting the back of the throat, a soft hissing or ocean-like sound. This technique can help to calm the mind, reduce stress, and increase focus during yoga practice.
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Kapalabhati Pranayama
It involves short, powerful exhales and passive inhales to help clear the mind and energize the body. This practice is believed to have numerous health benefits, including digestion, increased lung capacity, and reduced stress levels.
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Alternate Nostril Breathing
It involves inhaling exhaling through one nostril at a time while blocking the other nostril your fingers. This practice is believed to help balance the two hemispheres of the brain, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall respiratory function.
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Lion's Breath
It involves inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling forcefully through the mouth while sticking out the tongue and making a "roaring" sound. It is said help release tension and reduce stress.
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Basic breath awareness
It involves focusing on your breath as a way to anchor your attention to the present moment. By paying attention to the sensations of your breath, you can a sense of calm and relaxation, and become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. This can be done anywhere, at any time, and is a great way to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
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Breath of Joy
It involves a three-part breathing exercise that's a common warm-up in yoga classes. 3 step-inhalation deeply through the nose while raising the arms in three step sequence, then exhaling forcefully through the mouth while lowering the upper body and arms. It helps you feel more energized, release tension, and improve mood.
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"When the breath is unsteady, all is unsteady. When the breath is still, all is still". ~Goraksasathakam