Yogic breathing exercises - Pranayama
Breathing is life. Seems self-evident, right? Yet we rarely pay attention to the breath or what its telling us about the state of our body and mind. Yogic breathing is called pranayama – one of the eight limbs of yoga. Pranayama is all about expanding the flow of Prana, or vital life energy.
Pranayama can turn your asana practice into a meditation in motion. And when used in isolation, pranayama is
one of the simplest and most powerful meditation techniques available. Best of all - the breath is always available to work with.
So, let's get started – try the guided pranayama practices below.
Pranayama can turn your asana practice into a meditation in motion. And when used in isolation, pranayama is
one of the simplest and most powerful meditation techniques available. Best of all - the breath is always available to work with.
So, let's get started – try the guided pranayama practices below.
Guided pranayama practices
For the following practices, sit comfortably on the floor or in a chair unless otherwise instructed in the recording. Before beginning any breathing practice, please consult your physician, especially if you are pregnant, have high or low blood pressure, are sick or recovering from illness.*
1. Basic Breath Awareness
How are you breathing right now? This basic awareness exercise is a great place to start if you've never done yogic breathing, and a simple technique to use whenever you need to calm and recenter yourself. The track has a short introduction and the actual practice begins around 1:20 and runs about 10 minutes. You can click your cursor above the green line in the controller below to choose your starting point.
Take a yoga class in Chapel Hill
Visit the yoga class page to see a schedule and descriptions of weekly classes.
2. Dirgha Pranayama - 3-part Breath
Most people breath mostly into their chest or belly, but many don't understand how to use their diaphragm to connect the two. This breathing exercise is fundamental to understanding how to use the diaphragm to take a complete breath in and out. The track has a short introduction and the practice begins around 1:35 and runs about 12 minutes.. You can click your cursor above the green line in the controller below to choose your starting point.
*DISCLAIMER*
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This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
