Article by Jenn Risio
Feeling Anxious or Stressed? Or the quite the opposite… lethargic, tired, and energetically drained? GIVE THIS A TRY!
Here are some breath techniques, much like Alternate Nostril Breathing used to calm the mind and/ or energize the body! HAPPY BREATHING
One Minute Breath
Yogi Bhajan specifically recommended that women practice the One Minute Breath in order to create a deep experience of relaxation. Yogis also practice this breathing sequence to calm anxieties, fear and worry, open the intuition and activate the entire brain.
Inhale: Breath the air very slowly into the lungs for 20 seconds
Hold: Sustain the breath as you relax the chest and shoulders for 20 seconds
Exhale: Release the breath very slowly for 20 seconds.
Continue this sequence for 7-11 minutes daily.
The following breathing techniques support your mental and emotional balance.
FEELING ANXIOUS or STRESSED?
Left Nostril Breathing: Relax
Description: Left nostril breathing activates the Ida Nerve Ending in the left nostril, which relates to calmness and relaxation. Left nostril breathing is associated with the moon energy, which is changeable, feminine, yin, giving, and cool. Breathing through the left nostril for five minutes can calm you and lower your blood pressure.
Breath: Sit in Easy Pose. Close your right nostril with your right thumb, your other fingers are stretched straight up as antennas. Your left hand is in Gyan Mudra (Fold index finger under thumb)on your left knee. Close your eyes and concentration at your 3rd Eye. Begin to breathe long and deep only through your left nostril. Continue for three minutes.
FEELING LETHARGIC, IN NEED OF A BOOST OF ENERGY?
Right Nostril Breathing: Active
Description: Right nostril breathing activates the Pingala Nerve Ending in the right nostril, which relates to alertness and activity. Right nostril breathing is associated with the sun energy, which is a constant, masculine, yang, and hot. Breathing through the right nostril for five minutes can energize yourself and raise your blood pressure.
Breath: Sit in Easy Pose. Close the left nostril with the left thumb, the other fingers are stretched straight up as antennas. The right hand is in Gyan Mudra on your right knee. (Fold index finger under thumb) andClose your eyes and concentrate at your 3rd Eye (space between your eyes) Begin to breath long and deep only through your right nostril only. Continue for three minutes.
Yogi Tip
Throughout the day, we predominately breath through one or the other nostril. Your body regulates your energy and emotional states by switching your dominate nostril every 90 or 150 minutes. When you want to switch your energy, breath through the nostril of your choice.
