Breathing

Alternate Nostril Breathing - Anuloma Viloma Alternate Nostril Breathing is considered the most important of all Pranayamas help purify and energize the system. Anuloma-Viloma is also called Nadishuddhi pranayama, because this is not just a pranayama, but also a purification procedure. Nadi means channel and refers to the energy pathways through which prana flows. shuddhi means cleansing. Hence Nadishuddhi means channel cleansing.Technique 1. First assume sukhasana or any other comfortable sitting position, rest your left hand on your left knee. 2. Then take a few breaths in the ratio of 1:2. 3. Then, shut your right nostril with your right thumb. 4. Exhale slowly through your left nostril. 5. Inhale slowly and deeply through your left nostril, keeping your right nostril closed. 6. Then, close your left nostril with the little finger and ring finger of your right hand and exhale through your right nostril. 7. Without stopping, inhale through your right nostril, keeping your left nostril closed. 8. Then exhale through your left nostril, keeping your right nostril closed. 9. This comprises one round of anuloma-viloma. 10. Repeat the process a few times. Inhalation and exhalation should be done very slowly and soundlessly. This pranayama calms the mind, soothes anxiety and stress, balances left and right hemispheres, promotes clear thinking. It soothes the nerves while strengthening the lungs. In particular, it helps cure coughs and colds, in insomnia, chronic headaches and asthma. Ocean Sounding Breath - Ujjayi Ujjayi pranayama is so called breath because of the ocean sound produced and is sometimes rather flippantly referred to as "Darth Vader" breath. And even though all pranayamas are done through the nose, it is helpful to begin practicing this one through the mouth. It involves contracting the glottis while breathing to make a vocal "Ahhhhh" sound. This is where the name of the breath comes from: the sound of the ocean. Technique 1. Again assume sukhasana or any comfortable sitting posture. 2. While exhaling, begin to tone the back of the throat, slightly constricting the passage of air and make an "Ahhhhh" sound. Imagine you are misting up a mirror. 3. Once you are comfortable with the exhalations, begin to apply the same toning of the throat to your inhalations. 4. Starting with a few rounds, gradually increase to as often as required. This pranayama helps clear the nasal passages and enhances the functioning of the thyroid gland. It is particularly beneficial in respiratory disorders like sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma. However, those suffering from High BP are advised not to practice this.