Yoga Breathing Techniques
Pranayama Techniques:
When it comes to yoga, it is said that an ounce of practice is worth a tone of theory. Theory over, lets get on with learning some breathing techniques that will help to transform your life.
- Sit in a comfortable position. You can cross the legs or kneel. If you prefer, use a cushion. You can sit with the back against a wall or use a chair. You want to be able to sit still, so there is no wastage of prana. The body needs to be relaxed and warm, If there is tension or you are too cold or too hot you will waste prana and the mind will be distracted.
- Keep the spine erect, the chest well spread out and the shoulders down. This will enable you to lift and expand the chest as you develop and use the full capacity of your lungs. If you sit with a slumped posture, the chest cannot expand properly in deep breathing and strain is caused to the system.
- If you feel uncomfortable, light-headed or dizzy at any time, stop the practice and return the breath to normal.
- Always begin any new technique in yoga gently and cautiously, particularly the breathing practices. You are dealing with the delicate organs of the lungs, heart and the nervous system, so do not strain. If you find yourself breathing in or out with a gasp or sigh, you are beginning to strain. Adjust what you are doing.
- Unless stated otherwise, the breathing techniques always begin with an exhalation and breathing is done through the nose. Breathing through the nose filters and warms the air. It gives us greater control over the breath, prana and mind. It also helps to improve the flow of energy through the ida and pingala.
- The exception is the Cleansing Breath, where you breathe in through the nose and let the air rush out of the mouth with a sigh. This is a great technique to use between postures. It helps to release toxins, unexpressed emotion and tension.
