We were all born into this world breathing deeply, naturally from our belly. Over time, humans are losing their ability to keep that same healthy breathing automatic on daily basis. This is due to many stressors in our lives, distractions, eating habits and so on..Pranayama is one of the best ways to cope with stress of all sorts, anxiety and depression. This practice is like your own personal magical journey.

As yogi’s have known for centuries—and as medical science is beginning to discover—the breath has amazing recuperative powers. Yogi’s have found through this controlled breathing a way to alter their state of mind. The three pranayama practices described here primarily create their effects by slowing and regularizing the breath. This engages what scientists call the parasympathetic nervous system, a complex biological mechanism that calms and soothes us.

How does slower breathing help us in stressful times? We typically breathe too rapidly. This leads to a buildup of oxygen in the bloodstream and a corresponding decrease in the relative amount of carbon dioxide, which in turn upsets the ideal acid-alkaline balance—the pH level—of the blood. This condition, known as respiratory alkalosis, can result in muscle twitching, nausea, irritability, lightheadedness, confusion, and anxiety. Slowing down your breath by breathing in slower each time inhaling through the nose and exhaling out through the mouth is my favorite way to help become calmer. Focus in deeply, loving each cell within your body with every inhale. Find positive thoughts to breathe in and blow out all negativity….

Technique & Effects of Pranayama

• Ujjayi Pranayama, meaning Expanding Power, Success, Triumphant, a process in which the lungs get fully expanded, chest fills up like a proud conquerer. Best to sit up in comfortable position, like Padmasana(Lotus Pose or Half Lotus). Sitting on a folded blanket or firm pillow will help keep spinal column alignment.

• Keep back erect and rigid. Lower the head to the trunk, resting chin in space between collar bones. (This is the Jalandhara Bandha)

• Stretch the arms out straight and rest the backs of the wrists on the knees. Join the tips of the index fingers to the tips of the thumbs, keeping the other fingers extended. (This is the gesture of the hand known as Jnana Mudra, the symbol of knowledge. The index finger symbolizes Individual Soul and the thumb Universal Soul. The union of the two creates symbol of Knowledge).

• Close the eyes and look inwards.

• Exhale completely.

• Now take a slow, deep breath deeply in through the nostrils. The passage of the incoming air is felt on the roof of the mouth and makes a sibilant sound that is faintly heard.

• Fill lungs up to the brim, not bloating abdomen in the process. This filling up is called Puraka(inhalation).

• Entire abdomen region is pulled back from root(area below pelvis) to the breast bone towards the spine.

• Hold breath for a second or two, this internal retention is called Kumbhaka.

• Exhale slowly, deeply, and steadily until lungs are completely empty.

• As you begin to exhale, keep grip into your abdomen. After 2-3 seconds of exhaling, relax the diaphragm gradually and slowly. While exhaling passage of outgoing air is felt of the roof of mouth, making an aspirate sound(ha). This exhalation is called Rechaka.

• Wait for a few seconds before beginning again.

• Repeat cycles for 5-10 minutes, eyes closed throughout.

• Lie on floor in Savasana when complete.

  *This is the only Pranayama that may be done day or night.

  **Benifits include: Aerates lungs, Removes phlegm, Gives endurance, Soothes nerves, Tones entire system! Ujjayi w/o kumbhaka done lying down is ideal for those suffering from High Blood Pressure or Coronary troubles.

click here for more Pranayama Exercises to aid in your overall WellBeing(: