Pranayama

Guest Post by Lori Battist

In addition to the two breathing techniques from last week, there are SO MANY MORE - standing deep breathing, four purifications, nauli, breath of fire, ujjayi, shiv sadhana are a few.

Ask Lori, our breath expert, about them!

Below is a description of three:

Alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana) - A great way to center and balance your energies.

1. Right hand in vishnu mudra (peace sign fingers folded to palm).

2. Use the right ring finger & pinky to close the left nostril and the thumb closes the right nostril. 

3. Take a deep breath using both nostrils and a cleansing exhale out both nostrils. 

4. Close the right nostril, inhale 3 counts, close both nostrils (add all 3 locks - chin to chest, belly in and pelvic floor lifting) and hold for 8 counts, release the locks and exhale out the right nostril- left nostril stays closed

5. Inhale through the right side and repeat the process. Even out on the last breath. 

Moon piercing breath (chandra behdana) - A variation of ANB that creates a restful state and is excellent to practice before bed! 

• All inhales through the left nostril and exhales out the right nostril. 

Skull shining breath (kapalabhati) - This cleansing pranayama technique consists of short sharp exhales and naturally occurring inhales. 

• Take a deep breath in to start and continue to exhale like you are blowing a candle out. 

• Snap the belly in each time. Let the inhale happen on its own. 

• Find a rhythm and do 40-50. 

• Once you get comfortable, do a second set at double speed.