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Pranayama Exercises for Trauma Survivors

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

yoga distance learningBy Narendra Maheshri

Pranayama is the practice of breath control through a variety of Yogic breathing exercises. The root of the word pranayama is “prana,” which means life force energy in Sanskrit. This life force energy is manifest as the flow of oxygen throughout the entire body, including the brain. Practicing pranayama exercises can be a great tool for trauma survivors who are struggling with dissociative coping mechanisms, hyper-arousal, overwhelming anxiety and insomnia. Pranayama exercises can support a trauma survivor in his or her ability to tolerate distressful feelings and memories. The judicious practice of appropriate pranayama techniques also allows a trauma survivor to immediately shift his or her emotional state of being.

Some pranayama exercises are stimulating and other breathing techniques are balancing and calming. Nadi Shodhana pranayama is known as alternate nostril breathing. This breathing practice is appropriate for Yoga students of all levels. It clears the mind and balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Nadi Shodhana pranayama also calms the entire nervous system down thereby alleviating symptoms of hyper-arousal. As tension, anxiety and internal states of panic subside, your mind will clear and your overall energy levels will increase. Additionally, your ability to focus and concentrate on the task-at-hand will also improve. Nadi Shodhana pranayama is also very grounding and helps to slow down and ameliorate the sense of being frantic all the time that so many trauma survivors struggle with regularly.

To practice Nadi Shodhana pranayama come to a comfortable seated position on a chair with your feet flat on the floor or on your Yoga mat in an easy-seated position. Begin by curling your index finger and ring finger of your right hand in towards your palm. Raise your right hand up to the bridge of your nose and gently close your left nostril with the fourth and fifth finger of your right hand. Take on long inhale through your right nostril to a count of 5 then close your right nostril with your thumb. Hold your inhale for 5 counts. Release your left nostril and exhale for a count of 5. Repeat the same procedure on the left side. Take your time. If you are feeling anxious or breathing to a count of 5 is too difficult, back off and practice Nadi Shodhana at your own pace. If it feels appropriate today, practice ten complete rounds of Nadi Shodhana. After you have finished this pranayama practice, pause and feel the gentle calmness pervading your body and mind.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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Pranayama Exercises to Activate the Solar Plexus

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Amruta Kulkarni CYT 250

Our solar plexus is located directly above the belly button and below the sternum. This area of the body is also known as the Third Chakra or the Manipura Chakra. Manipura means lustrous gem in Sanskrit. This chakra is strongly correlated with internal power and self-esteem. The warrior energy that is harnessed through many of the standing Yoga poses is also generated from this chakra. The Manipura Chakra governs metabolism and digestion as well as the ability to manifest our dreams in the world. A well-balanced and vibrantly spinning Third Chakra will support us in taking appropriate risks, setting boundaries that protect our well-being while respecting others needs and wants, and asking for what we need financially, emotionally and spiritually.

A deficient or blocked Manipura Chakra can result in inertia, a dissipation of the sense of empowerment, low self-esteem, a feeling of being a victim and poor digestion. Practicing Yoga asanas and pranayama exercises that nurture and enliven the Third Chakra will help to revitalize your inner energy and your sense of possibility. Your degree of self-empowerment and competence to manifest your dreams will also increase. A balanced Third Chakra will also improve your digestion by increasing your body’s ability to turn food into energy. Many standing Yoga poses and pranayama exercises help to strengthen and activate the Manipura Chakra. The Ha Kriya is a very powerful Kundalini Yoga breathing technique for activating and re-energizing the Third Chakra.

Ha Kriya

To practice the Ha Kriya, come to Mountain Pose on your Yoga mat. With your next exhale, step or jump your feet three to four feet apart with your feet parallel to the ends of your mat. Bend your knees slightly and feel the earth beneath you and the strength of your legs. Ha Kriya consists of a series of quick inhales and forceful exhales as you repeat “Ha” with each exhale. There is an empowering and noble feeling inherent in this breathing practice reminiscent of an Asian martial art form.

To begin, inhale and raise your arms over your head with your hands in fists. As you exhale forcefully, repeat “Ha” and bring your fists down to hip level with the finger-part of your fists facing up. With your next inhale, raise your fists back over your head. Repeat the same breathing pattern four more times in rapid succession. Each exhale should be forceful and “Ha” should be repeated aloud with some vigor. Repeat this sequence two more times. To finish, come back to Tadasana at the top of your Yoga mat and feel the energy vibrating in your Manipura Chakra.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

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Intermediate Pranayama Exercises for Trauma Survivors

Monday, January 16th, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Bhavan Kumar

One of the key elements to using Yoga as a theraputic tool to heal traumatic memories is to remember to breath throughout your Yoga practice. If you forget to breath, you are still somatizing and freezing the feelings, memories and emotions in your muscle tissues. Somatization is often an unconscious protective mechanism for many trauma survivors. Unfortunately, it keeps the traumatic memories just below a conscious level and perpetually recycling in the mind and heart of a trauma survivor. Yogic pranayama exercises that teach you how to breath fully and deeply are very important for trauma survivors. Intermediate pranayama exercises that purify and energize the entire body/mind system are also very effective tools for releasing traumatic memories.

Dirgha (Dirga) Pranayama

The three-part Dirga Pranayama is a wonderful beginning pranayama technique for remembering what it feels like to fill your lungs completely and to exhale fully. When we are stressed, afraid or overwhelmed, our breathing usually becomes quite shallow and rapid. This is even more true with trauma survivors. Practicing pranayama techniques that help to deepen and slow down the breath is one of the cornerstone Yogic practices for healing from traumatic experiences. To practice Dirga Pranayama, simply fill your chest cavity to one third on a slow count of two, pause for a moment and then proceed to fill the next third of your lung cavity to another count of two. Finally, fill your chest cavity to capacity for another count of two, pause and exhale smoothly for a slow count of six. Do five rounds of Dirga Pranayama before practicing an intermediate pranayama exercise.

Kapalabhati Pranayama or Skull Shining Breath

Kapalabhati Pranayama or Skull Shining Breath is a very invigorating and cleansing intermediate pranayama exercise. To practice Skull Shining Breath, sit on your Yoga mat in a comfortable position. Place you hands gently on your thighs with your palms facing down. Inhale deeply and forcefully exhale the air as you pull your diaphragm in. The inhale should be passive and the exhale forceful and rapid. Breath through your nose.

One round of Kapalbhati Pranayama consists of thirty quick inhales and exhales. Do three rounds of Skull Shining Breath and then pause to feel the effects of this powerful pranayama technique. Breath at a pace that is comfortable for you and be aware of feelings and memories that may arise during your practice. Witness the thoughts, memories and emotions with mindful compassion, do not “hang on” to the feelings. If you become light-headed, slow down and take a few deep breaths before continuing.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

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Yoga Pranayama Exercises for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Gopi Rao

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that fluctuates with the seasons. It is most prevalent in areas of the world that receive little or no sunlight during the fall and winter seasons. The sun’s rays and Vitamin D production from sunlight helps to keep our brain chemistry optimally balanced. When we don’t get enough sunlight, serotonin and dopamine levels begin to fall. These are two critical neurotransmitters in the brain that keep our moods positive and healthy. Low levels of serotonin, dopamine and Vitamin D are some of the main causes of depression. Taking walks in the brief periods of winter sunshine is a great way to help boost your serotonin and Vitimin D levels. A walk of even ten minutes will help your body to produce enough Vitamin D for the day.

Although SAD is most frequently experienced on a seasonal basis, it is a serious form of depression. The symptoms of SAD include body aches, decreased levels of social engagement and physical activity, trouble focusing, poor sleep, little or no sex drive, crying spells and irritability. All of these symptoms are the same for major depressive disorder. People who are prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder may become so despondent, suicidal thoughts may arise. It is important to take care of yourself well during the fall and winter months if you know that you are prone to this disorder. Make sure that you exercise regularly, eat well and get enough rest. If you have a tendency to get depressed during the wintertime, be careful not to isolate yourself. Plan some activities with friends and family that lift your spirits.

Maintaining a regular Yoga practice during the fall and winter months will also help to prevent SAD. If possible, practicing Yoga for an hour a day is a great way to keep yourself physically and mentally balanced and healthy. There are many Yoga asanas that help to enhance your physical well-being. A solid, well-rounded practice of Yoga asanas will keep you strong and flexible. Incorporating pranayama or Yogic breathing exercises into your practice will help greatly to keep your brain chemistry balanced during the winter months. There are pranayama exercises that are relaxing and others that are invigorating. Bastrika Breathing is a pranayama exercise that is very cleansing and invigorating. It will help to energize you, circulate fresh oxygen and blood throughout your body and help you release any negativity you may be holding onto.

Bastrika Breathing

Begin by sitting comfortably on your Yoga mat or on a chair. Take a full deep breaths. This Yogic breathing (pranayama) exercise is also known as Bellow’s Breath because it is similar to the movement of an old-fashioned bellow that fans the flames of a fire. To begin, inhale half-way through your nose and expel the air forcefully as you pull in your diaphragm. Continue to breath in this way, pulling in and expelling the air forcefully through your nose. You may wish to do three rounds of ten, twenty or thirty breaths in this way. Rest between each round by taking some long, slow breaths. Do not do more than three rounds at a time. After you have completed three rounds, sit quietly for a few minutes to feel the peace and energy pervading your entire body and mind.

You can see a variation of Bastrika at: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/yoga-community/yoga-teacher-video-resource-center/

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

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Yoga Pranayama for Respiratory Ailments

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Amruta Kulkarni, CYT 250

Most of us take the ability to breathe freely for granted, but for many people the basic task of taking in air is painful due to respiratory ailments. Those suffering from problems of this nature may find themselves wishing that there was some way to exercise and care for the lungs. Fortunately, there is. A special branch of yoga called Pranayama does for the lungs what Hatha Yoga does for the body.

In Yogic teachings, breath is considered extremely important. The word Pranayama is a compound word. Prana means life force, and vital energy; it’s the breath of life. Ayama means to control, restrain or hold. Pranayama could be translated as simply breath control, but there are a lot of subtle nuances in the word that are lost with such a simplified definition. However, for our purposes here, breath control is a close enough definition. Pranayama has the potential to teach people how to control their breath.

Why would people need to learn how to breathe? Isn’t this basically automatic? Most people in the modern world take extremely shallow breaths. The result is that their lungs are never used to the fullest, and their lungs suffer as a result. Only filling a small portion of the lungs diminishes the body’s ability to expel toxins during the exhalation of the air from the lungs, and over time this likely leads to many of the chronic respiratory ailments we see in the world today. The reason for the fast, shallow breathing is unknown, though some experts speculate that it’s due to our clothing choices and the fact that a full breath would expand the stomach. Poor posture makes it difficult to draw in long, deep breaths, and this is likely another contributing factor.

Add to that the fact that the majority of people lead a largely sedentary lifestyle and spend the majority of their time indoors, where the air quality is often many times worse than the air outside, and you have a recipe for all kinds of breathing ailments.

Pranayama should always be performed in a well ventilated area and should be done under the supervision of a qualified Yoga teacher. A good teacher will be able to spot and correct any improper techniques quickly, leading to greater success in a shorter period of time. Even more so than the asanas, Pranayama requires a slow and steady pace. This is especially true for those coming to the practice in response to a respiratory ailment. Less is more.

Within Yoga, there are several different styles of Pranayama, and some are more suitable for beginners than others. It’s extremely important for the yoga teacher to be aware of any underlying health conditions prior to Pranayama instruction. For example, those with heart problems or high blood pressure shouldn’t do certain types of Pranayama at all. Many people wouldn’t think that breathing exercises could have such a profound impact on the body as a whole, but they can. Breath is powerful.

By practicing Pranayama, one learns how to breathe in a way that utilizes the whole lung, and this lesson will eventually carry over to automatic breathing. Taking larger breaths means taking fewer breaths per minute, with each inhale and exhale clearing the body of toxins and oxygenating the cells. This increased lung capacity, improved awareness, and control of the breath, can be a major benefit for those suffering with respiratory ailments.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

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The Good and Bad of Bhastrika Pranayama

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Faye Martins 

Bhastrika Pranayama literally means “bellows breath”: exhaling quickly and forcefully, making a sound like air expelling from a bellows. Performing Bhastrika Pranayama regularly can provide health benefits, but how is it done and are there any contraindications?

“Bellows breathing” is performed in a relaxed sitting position, like Padmasana or Crossed Leg position. Inhale fully, inflating the chest, rather than the abdomen. When the lungs are completely fully, exhale forcefully. The air should make a hissing sound as it escapes. The breathing should be repeated five to ten times, as forcefully and quickly as possible; stop if you start to feel dizzy or faint. When you have finished one “round” of breathing, take a deep inhalation and hold the breath in as long as possible. Exhale when needed and then take several normal breaths; begin another set when you feel comfortable. Five minutes a day is the recommended time period for Bhastrika Pranayama.

When performed correctly, this breathing exercise helps provide the body with maximum oxygen, which makes the skin glow. Other benefits include reducing toxins in the body, increasing warmth in the body and strengthening the immune system, and reducing respiratory tract ailments. Blood purification and weight loss are also benefits of “bellows breathing.” It is said that this is the secret to ageless skin and beauty!

Although there are many advantages to Bhastrika Pranayama, it is not for everyone. Practitioners with high blood pressure or cardiac problems should avoid this exercise. If the temperature is high, such as during the summer or in an overheated room, this kind of breathing should be limited to two minutes, rather than five. Continuing to breath deeply and forcefully when you feel faint may lead to hyperventilation, so it is important to stop immediately if dizziness occurs.

Hyperventilation decreases the carbon dioxide level in the blood and reduces blood flow to the brain, resulting in confusion and agitation. Calcium levels in the blood are also affected, leading to numbness and muscle twitching. In very rare cases, the blood vessel supplying the heart can spasm; if heart disease is already present, this could trigger a heart attack, which is why Bhastrika Pranayama must be avoided in those with the condition.

As with other asanas and practices in Yoga, it is important to remember that these are powerful tools, to be regarded respectfully. Take seriously any negative signs from your body or your students.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

 

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Pranayama for Swimmers

Friday, September 2nd, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Kimaya Singh 

Some people take to swimming like a fish to water, literally. Others find that they enjoy breathing a lot more than they previously realized. For those who find themselves gasping for breath after each stroke, or those seeking to improve their speed and stamina in the water, pranayama for swimmers is an effective way to increase lung capacity.

The level of oxygen available to the body determines energy levels and performance of swimmers. If one suffers from excessive fatigue while swimming, it’s probably due to a lack of oxygen in the system.

Individuals with especially poor breathing habits will find swimming difficult because it brings those unconscious breathing patterns to the surface. Chronic shallow breathing means lower lung function when the entire capacity of the lung is needed.

Pranayama is often seen as a small limb of the Yogic tree, but it is also a large science that can stand by itself.  Pranayama teaches individuals that it is possible to control the flow of breath, rather than being controlled by their need for respiration. It also teaches the body how to breathe in a deeper manner that delivers more oxygen to the body per breath than typical breathing. It is possible to learn new breathing techniques in the water, but there are some unique advantages to practicing better breathing habits on dry land.

First, pranayama may be practiced anywhere, even when a pool isn’t easily accessible. This means that the lungs may be kept in top shape even in the dead of winter; this is particularly advantageous in colder climates where the winters are harsh.

Second, pranayama is more approachable than practicing breath control in the water. With pranayama, there is a feeling of safety because a breath could be drawn at any moment. This enables those with anxiety about being without air for prolonged periods underwater to gain stamina and confidence.

Lastly, in addition to increasing lung capacity, pranayama also teaches practitioners more about their lungs. With pranayama practice, individuals begin to understand their limits in terms of how long they can go without taking a breath. People usually underestimate how long they can go without breathing, and fear sets in as a result of this lack of knowledge. When panic rises, vision narrows and dark spots dance on the vision, further enhancing the illusion that the swimmer is about to pass out from lack of oxygen. In reality, most of this is the result of the fight-or-flight response becoming active in the brain. Gaining a better understanding of lung capacity outside of the pool prevents this from happening.

Pranayama practice gives poor swimmers the opportunity to become great swimmers, and takes great swimmers to the next level in terms of stamina, strength and endurance. All pranayama techniques yield great benefit for swimmers, so the main concern is finding the style of pranayama that suits the practitioner best. When it comes to building up the body, frequency of practice is the most important thing. Finding a pranayama practice that one is comfortable with and happy doing will make the habit of performing it on a daily basis easier.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

 

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Importance of Bhastrika and Kapalbhati Pranayama

Friday, August 5th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Faye Martins

Bhastrika and kapalbhati pranayama are both Yoga breathing exercises that can help the practitioner improve lung capacity and manage breathing conditions such as asthma. These breathing exercises are best used in the morning and both provide benefits that impact the entire body, resulting in more energy and better overall health.

Kapalbhati pranayama helps the internal organs to work better by exercising and massaging the chest and abdomen. Kapalbhati increases lung capacity because it allows the practitioner to inhale more fresh oxygen and to exhale more carbon dioxide, helping to cleanse the body of harmful toxins. This type of breathing exercise benefits the respiratory system and is especially helpful when a practitioner is suffering from diseases and conditions that affect breathing, such as a cold, bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, deviated septum and even more serious conditions such as tuberculosis and emphysema.

Additionally, kapalbhati is beneficial to the digestive system, helping the practitioner to improve digestion and to ease the effects of indigestion, constipation and gastritis. Since kapalbhati increases circulation, heart rate and the amount of red blood cells in the blood, it allows the practitioner to become more energetic. This is particular beneficial to overweight practitioners who find more energy and find themselves less exhausted as they move about their day. It also stabilizes the glands of the endocrine system, which affects the entire body and even assists with the nervous system through the constant cleansing of brain cells as a result of the increased level of oxygen in the blood. Mental health is also positively affected and the practitioner experiences a type of bliss and relaxation after this practice.

Bhastrika pranayama is very similar in the benefits it provides the practitioner. Bhastrika is particularly beneficial to practitioners dealing with respiratory illnesses and conditions, as its forceful breathing methods help to cure conditions such as the common cold, sinus infections and the flu. It can even help to improve asthma. It can also help with the healing of conditions that affect the thyroid gland and throat problems such as those that affect the tonsils.

Regular practice of bhastrika pranayama results in younger-looking, glowing, healthy skin. Overall health is improved by most practitioners since they are able to detoxify their body by expelling the toxins as they breathe out. Increased lung capacity leads to more oxygen in the blood, which leads to more vitality.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Yoga Breathing Exercises for Beginners

Friday, June 10th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga breathing exercises are commonly referred to as pranayama techniques. Pranayama, the discipline of breath control, is the fourth of the Eight Limbs of Pantanjali’s Yoga and is used to control prana (life energy) – also known as vital life force. Although there are many types of pranayama, the ultimate goal of all of these techniques is to improve the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional state of one’s health. While breathing is an automatic process, it can be regulated to make a positive impact on health.

Three Classic Types of Yoga Breathing Exercises for Beginners

• Anuloma Viloma, or Alternate Nostril Breathing, is done by inhaling through one nostril, holding the breath, and then releasing it through the other nostril. This method balances the right and left sides of the brain, improving both logical thinking and creativity.

Some Yogis claim that this is the most effective technique for calming the mind and the nervous system. Modern science has confirmed that the electrical activity of the brain is more active on the opposite side from the congested nostril.

• Kapalabhati, or Skull Shining Breath, considered a type of pranayama, and is also a cleansing technique (kriya), which helps to relieve blockages in the air ways of the nasal passages and chest. Derived from two words meaning “skull” and “light,” this practice uses deep abdominal breathing to purify the lungs, remove toxins from the blood and lymph, and improve digestion. It also prepares the body for meditation and increases alertness. However, it should be practiced in moderation because it may cause one to be light-headed and is not recommended in the case of high blood pressure.

• Bhramari, the Sanskrit word for “bumble bee,” is a breath technique that creates a humming sound during exhalations. The fingers and thumbs are used to shut off sight and outside sounds, which helps one focus on the internal sound that resembles a bumble bee. Its vibratory nature calms the body and lengthens the breath, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress and fatigue. The technique can be practiced by anyone, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly. While doing the exercise, the mind is focused on the unity of the individual consciousness with the divine, and the technique is beneficial to meditation and deep sleep.

All Yogic breathing techniques require practice, and the desired effect is to establish the connection between mind and body. Physical results can be seen in the relief of respiratory illnesses, a reduction in anxiety, detoxification of the immune system, and a general feeling of relaxation and well being.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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The Importance Of Breathing In Yoga

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga is so much more than just fancy postures. Strength and flexibility are only two small parts of the Hatha Yoga practice. Breath is something perceived as so mundane, that it is taken for granted. Yet, mastering the breath through pranayama practice is truly one of the pathways to inner peace.

“When the breath wanders, the mind also is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed, the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath.”

~ Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika

When are we aware of our breathing? Rarely, if ever, are we inclined to give attention to this most basic life giving force, which is drawn in and out of our bodies, every living moment of our lives. In many traditions throughout history, the breath was thought to be linked to the soul. Sadly, most of us were not taught how to breathe, and without that basic knowledge, we lose the ability to simply be, as well.

One of the primary principles of Raja and Hatha Yoga is called pranayama, which is the art and science of controlled breathing. In everyday life, people tend to breathe from the chest, instead of from the belly. Deep breathing from the belly is healthier and deeper.  Watch a sleeping baby, or kitten, and you will find that their breath seems to fill their belly. Perhaps it is our modern fixation with thinness, or the type of clothing we wear, but for some reason the inherent knowledge of how to breathe deeply is lost as we age.

These low, shallow breaths fail to fill the lungs, and the lung capacity is greatly reduced. Fast, shallow breaths are also associated with fear and panic, and studies show that breathing in this manner will actually raise blood pressure.  Deep, slow breaths lower blood pressure and raise resting rates of oxygen in the blood, along with releasing carbon dioxide from the body. The end result is increased health from the inside out. Practicing Yoga and pranayama, on a daily basis, improves heart health and lung function. Each posture is designed to guide the breathing.

To look at pranayama simply: We inhale and exhale for a specific ratio, getting valuable oxygen and stress reduction. This is often enough for most people, who barely realize that their breathing has been altered by situations, which naturally occur during the course of a day.  However, serious Yoga practitioners may wish to go deeper into pranayama itself. For these practitioners, it is essential to find good and reliable information. Pranayama, while very beneficial, can be harmful if practiced improperly. Some of the dynamic pranayama techniques can cause hyperventilation, which may do more harm than good. Through gaining control of the breath, one gains control of one’s inner self by truly connecting the mind and body.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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