Yoga Articles by Tracey Rich
Spring: A Good Time to Detox
Let your lungs get a breath of fresh air.
Getting outdoors in a beautiful natural environment
will go a long way to clearing out your lungs, and help
your heart and your mind in the process. A walk in the
woods refocuses your eyes ability to take in subtleties;
it clears out the cobwebs of your mind creating space
for inspiration. It is interesting that the word to
breathe is also the word, inspiration; the act of drawing
in, especially drawing air into the lungs. While on
your walk find a place to settle in and try the following
breath sequence. We hope you enjoy your Spring cleaning.
3-6 Rounds of Siva Pranayama or
Kumbhaka
Simply inhale using a natural or ujjayi
breath until your lungs are comfortably full.
Hold your breath in as long as you feel at ease.
Then exhale until your lungs are empty, feeling your
abdominal muscles contract Repeat for several rounds.
These pranayamas are not only cleansing and strengthening
but calming and meditative, as well.
3-6 rounds of Alternate Nostril
Breathing (Analoma Viloma)
Using your right hand, slide your little
finger under your ring finger and align the tips of
those fingers, making them level. Fold your middle
two fingers into your palm.
Pressing the thumb of your right hand into the curve
of your right nostril, lightly push inward and up
toward the bone of the nose.
Inhale through your left nostril using a natural breath
or ujjayi breath until your lungs are comfortably
full.
Close off the left nostril with the combined digits
of your pinkie and ring finger,
while still keeping the right nostril closed with
your thumb.
Hold your breath in as long as you feel comfortable,
clear and present.
Exhale through the right nostril until your lungs
are empty.
Now inhale through the right nostril until your lungs
are comfortably full and hold both nostrils closed.
Hold your breath in no longer than you are at ease.
Exhale out of the left side of your nose, emptying
the lungs completely.
This completes one round of alternate nostril breathing.
Now, repeat the entire round several times.
Analoma Viloma is a pranayama that has centering and
balancing qualities.
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