How to do the art of pranayama breathing
Did you know that most of us utilize only 30 percent of our total lung capacity to breathe? This improper breathing can be blamed on a number of factors such as stress, poor posture, lack of exercise, and weakened respiratory systems.
If you take the time to sit down and analyze your breathing patterns, you will realize that there are very few times when you are actually breathing fully and deeply. Deep breathing uses the diaphragm. It allows sufficient oxygen to be delivered to all the cells of the body. Shallow breathing brings with it a host problems, many of which can be seen in the increasing number of ailments that affect modern society. Is there a cure?
Yoga and Pranayama may very well be the answer to your woes. Pranayama, or the ‘breath of life’, is a series of breathing exercises that is practiced as a part of yoga. Yoga, as you must already know, is an ancient form of fitness and exercise. It originated in India many hundreds of years ago.
Yoga considers breath to be the most important element of life. In fact, proper breathing plays a vital role in all yoga exercises, and not just Pranayama. Let us find out how Pranayama breathing techniques can help to pave the way for a healthier new you.
Nadi Shodhana: Nadi Shodhana or Alternate Nostril Breathing is one of the most widely practiced Pranayama breathing techniques. To perform this breathing exercise, sit down in the Padma Asana (Lotus Pose) or Sukha Asana (Easy Pose). Place your thumb over one nostril and close it. Now breathe in deeply through the other nostril while keeping your mouth shut. Now close this nostril with the index finger of the same hand while removing your thumb from the other nostril. Exhale through the other nostril. Repeat this procedure on the other nostril. Nadi Shodhana allows you to clear your nasal passages by forcing you to breathe through one nostril at a time. It can be very helpful in curing allergies and respiratory ailments.
Kapal Bhati: Kapal Bhati, or the Cleansing Breath, is one of the most powerful Pranayama techniques. Kapal Bhati relies on a series of forceful exhalations that are performed by clenching the abdominal muscles. It not only strengthens your abdominal muscles, but also allows all the airborne toxins in the body to be expelled. If you are looking to lose weight or combat respiratory ailments, this Pranayama breathing technique is a great choice.
