Correct breathing is the basis of yoga practice – the yogis said this was the key to balancing our emotions, being in control of our mind, and good health. It brings you into the present moment and out of the chatter of your mind.
Next time you are feeling unmotivated, can’t decide what to do, or need some energy try some breath of fire. I explain it in this video below where it is also used with a particular arm/hand posture for even more benefits.
Breath of Fire
- Sit or lie down with a straight spine.
- Breathe rapidly, rhythmically in and out of the nose, with an equal inhale and exhale, at approximately 2-3 breaths per second (more slowly when you are learning).
- Pull your belly in as you breathe out, then relax the belly and allow the inhale to happen naturally (a vacuum is created when you pull the belly in for the exhale). The chest stays relatively still.
- The pumping action of the belly is short and shallow.
- Keep your face and rest of your body relaxed.
- Continue for 1-3minutes. Then notice how you feel.
- It is a powerful regulator of biorhythms so please avoid when on the heaviest days of menstruation, or if pregnant.
This is excellent for releasing toxins and deposits from the lungs, mucous linings, blood vessels and other cells; and expands the lung capacity; strengthens the nervous system to resist stress; repairs the balance between the sympathetic (gas) and parasympathetic (brake) nervous systems; strengthens the navel chakra; increases physical endurance and prepares you to act effectively; adjusts the psycho-electromagnetic field of the aura so that the blood becomes energised; reduces addictive impulses; increases oxygen delivery to the brain for a focused, intelligent and neutral state of mind; boosts the immune system; promotes synchronisation of the biorhythms of the body’s systems. PHEW. That’s a lot for just one breath!