Pranayama helps relieving the symptoms of asthma. It reduces the signs of oxidative stress in the body. Practicing pranayama everyday can assist in steady mind, strong will power and sound judgement. Regular pranayama can extend life and enhance ones perception of life
Best Time for Pranayama: Early morning, 1-2 hours before sunrise when oxygen content is maximum in the air.
- ANULOM-VILOM
Also known as Nadi Shdodhana (alternate nostril breathing)
What it does
This pranayama helps normalise blood pressure, aids in blood purification, reduced risk of heart disease and can also improve sight.
Do it
Close your eyes and sit in Padmasana. Use the right thumb to close the right nostril. Inhale slowly through the left nostril, taking in as much air as you can to fill your lungs. Remove the thumb from your right nostril and exhale. While exhaling, use the middle finger to close your left nostril and inhale with our right nostril. Remove the thumb from the right nostril and exhale.
- BHRAMARI
This pranayama derives its name from the Bhramari, the black Indian bee. The exhalation resembles the typical humming sound of a bee!
What it does
It can calm your mind down instantly and is one of the best breathing exercises to distress as it rids the mind of frustration, anxiety, anger or agitation.
Do it
Close your ears with your thumbs and place your index fingers on the temple. Close eyes with the other three fingers. Gently inhale through the nose and hold for a few seconds. Keeping the mouth closed, exhale by making a humming sound.
Reps 5 times
- UJJAYI PRANAYAMA
Also known as victorious breath or ocean breath, this breathing technique involves a soft hissing sound during inhalation.
What it does
The sound vibrations that are a part of this pranayama sharpen the focus of your mind can help cure thyroid and reduce snoring.
Do it
Begin by inhaling and exhaling naturally. Bend down your head, blocking the free flow of air and inhale as long as you can, making a sound from your throat. Hold for 2-5 seconds. Close your right nostril with your right thumb while exhaling and breathe out through the left nostril.
Reps 10-12 times in as much time you need
- KAPALBHATHI
Known as the skull shining breathing technique, this strong deep breathing exercise is synonymous with Baba Ramdev for most of us!
What it does
This pranayama can improve the functioning of all abdominal organs, reduces belly fat, lead to quick weight loss and balances sugar levels in your body.
Do it
This breathing technique involves passive inhalation and active exhalation. So inhale normally, breathing in as much air as you can, and exhale forcefully. Try and pull your stomach muscles as closely as you can towards the backbone during exhalation.
Reps Perform for 2-5 minutes
- BHASTRIKA
The forceful breathing exercise clears up your respiratory system and is characterised by sounds like a flame burning below a furnace.
What it does
Perform this breathing technique to strengthen your lungs, burn excess fat, improve physical and mental ability and clear the windpipe.
Do it
Take a deep breath in, inhaling as much air as you can, and expand your stomach. Exhale the air out with force and try and pull your navel in towards the backbone.
Reps Repeat for 1-2 minutes and rest for a while afterwards
Do your pranayamas sitting in Sukhasana, the cross-legged position. Keep your back straight and eyes closed. Think positive thoughts and focus on your breathing. Increase the number of cycles as you perform these breathing exercises regularly.
Always check with your doctor before performing any deep breathing exercises. S/he may advise against doing some if you suffer from any health issues.
What People Say
Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.
B.K.S. Iyengar
“Breath is the king of mind.”
Budhha
The gift of learning to meditate is the greatest gift you can give yourself in this lifetime.
Sogyal Rinpoche
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