Breath Cindy Gunawan Sally Vo Pranayama The fourth
Breath Cindy Gunawan + Sally Vo
Pranayama ● The fourth limb of yoga: Mindful Breathing ● Prana = life force or breath sustaining the body ● Ayama = to extend or draw out ● If we control the breath, we can control the mind!
[Subconscious] breathing Gas Exchange--oxygen is replenished throughout the body! Detoxifies your body Average: 12 -20 breaths/min Goal: 5 -6 breaths/min Fast subconscious breathing triggers the sympathetic nervous system → can lead to more stress!
[Conscious] Breathing Benefits Manage + reduce stress levels Manage + reduce anxiety Lowers blood pressure + heart rate = less wear & tear on blood vessels! Sleep better Increases focus Brings us to the present moment! “Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment. ” – Thich Nhat Hanh
T. Ted Talk Time!
5 types of breathing techniques to try
Bee breath Bhramari pranayama Calms down the mind Exhalation resembles the typical humming sound of a bee Gives instant relief from tension, anger and anxiety.
Skull shining breath Kapal = forehead; bhati = shining Detoxifies all the system in our body Effective in reducing weight by increasing the metabolic rate Increases one’s intuition
Bellows breath Bhastrika = bellows Increase energy and calm your mind Boost metabolism Increase lung capacity
Alternate nostril breath Nadi = subtle energy channel; shodan= purification Calm and center the mind Bring the mind back to the present moment Helps harmonize the right and left hemisphere of the brain
Ocean breath Ujjayi = to become victorious Releases tension and tight areas of the body Improves concentration in the physical practice Regulates heating of the body Vinyasa yoga
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