The practice of Pranayama or ‘Breathwork’ as it is also known is an integral part of yoga, and something that actually existed much longer than the physical postures. Grab a copy of the Hatha Yoga Pradipikaor Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha And you will notice that much more attention is being paid to the details of Breathing and Movement of Prana than in most modern yoga books or classes. The reason? Prana means ‘life force’, just like qi does in the traditional context of Chinese medicine. The primary yoga practices were mainly concerned with this stream of energy, especially. Everything we do, from moving to food, sleeping, socializing and studying, has an effect on our life force. And when it comes to breathing, it is a powerful way to work with Prana.
Although the British summer can be a bit unpredictable, it is likely that we all experience an attack of steaming hot and humid days wherever you live. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the summer season contains the qualities of heat, moisture, intensity, transformation and passion – all qualities of the Pitta Dosha. This means that we are all a bit more likely to feel hot and difficult, intensely driven and focused, and generally a bit more often than normal. The use of this specific Pranayama practices not only keeps the body physically cool and balanced during warm weather, but also cools and soothes the mind. Whether you work or on vacation, inside or outside, these three practices are easy to use when you need them.
1. Swali breath
Destroy means ‘cooling’ or ‘soothing’, and is a method that looks a bit strange, but is incredibly effective. Just as animals do, this Pranayama technique works by passing the breath over the tongue and cooling the body from the inside.
Practice: curl the tongue and inhale the breath as if you suck air through a straw, hold and then breathe out slowly through the nose. Go a few minutes further and then drink a glass of cool water to improve the soothing effects. If you are unable to curl your tongue, just stick it out and feel the breath go over the tongue while you inhale.
2. Chandra Bhedana
This ‘Moon Piercing’ or ‘Moon Activating’ Breath works on the subtle energy channel of Ida, The female Nadi to the left of the spine. Chandra Bhedana is especially soothing for the nervous system and is great to practice in the evening before bedtime, or if you feel frustrated or irritable.
Practice: Close the right nostril and breathe slowly through the left nostril for 3 minutes. To improve practice, you visualize a silver half moon -that reflects on cool water.
3. Pranayama with visualization
Adding visualization to your breathing practices is a valuable way to cultivate a calm and calm yet targeted and creative mind. If you have trouble meditating, this can also be an effective way to get started.
Practice: lie comfortably on your back and breathe slowly in and out through the nose. As you inhale, you feel a cool white light that travels the body from the feet to the top of the head. As you exhale, you feel the cool white light back through the body. With every round of breathing, imagine the feeling of the cool white light that soothes, soothing and your body and mind cools more and more. Practice 3-5 minutes and finish with the exhalation that returns to the feet to ground yourself.
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