27 Jan Pranayam Part 3

Pranayam Part 3

This week 37 we complete our three-part series on Pranayam with descriptions of the Nadi system and some very important breathing exercises.

Both the channels (nadis) are the reason of existence of the human body on this earth. Ida and Pingala give nourishment to our left and right hemispheres, which control each and every activity of daily routine tasks. When Ida flows (left nostril works/right hemisphere dominated), one becomes introvert and Pingla (right nostrils/left hemisphere dominated) gives an extrovert tendency to the human being.
To keep the body healthy Physically, Psychologically and spiritually, it is mandatory to flow Prana Vayu smoothly, without obstacle through the channels (nadis). Breathing is the activity of the Prana Vayu. All the nadis must be free from all type of impurities to let the Prana Vayu flows throughout the body easily and effortlessly; hence, one needs Nadi shodan activity.

 

Sometimes there might be too much heat in the system (for example, if somebody has hot flashes or feels angry/irritable), which can be helped by breathing in through the Left nostril (to stimulate the lunar channel) and out through the right (to sedate the solar channel). This pranayama practice is called Chandrabhedana.
When there is not enough heat in the system (for example, cold limbs, low blood pressure, depression), it can help to breathe in through the Right nostril (to stimulate the solar channel) and out through the Left (to sedate the lunar channel). This pranayama practice is called Suryabhedana.
According to the tradition, when two sides are balanced, prana can enter the central channel – Sushumna Nadi – and travel upwards to the top of the head. Then eternal bliss (samadhi) is achieved.

 

Another interesting fact: traditionally, when you breathe through one nostril or the other, you don’t leave it completely open, but rather valve it right next to the bony part of the nose, so that the opening is narrowed and a sort of vibration is achieved. We have mentioned earlier that there are many nerve branches of the autonomic nervous system in the nose, so maybe valving the nose was meant to better stimulate the corresponding branch of the nervous system (SNS or PNS) and facilitate more pronounced energetic effect? One wonders. It certainly helps you make your breath cycle longer. You can try it for yourself, too. Next time you try one nostril breathing, try valving the nostril that you are breathing through – it is a very different experience.

Breathing Exercises’ patterns

 

 

The breathing pattern is the main source of Nadi shodhan. Air flows perfectly in the tube if the tube is crystal clear. As water flows through the water pipe and nourishes the garden, same air flows through the nerves (Ida and Pingala nadis) and nourishes the body, the house of the soul. So, to stay healthy clears nadis and get nourishment through breathing exercises.
Exercises clear and strengthen nadis, Says “Shiv Sanhita”

 

Step by step Nadi shodhan pranayama is given below:

 

1 Sit in a comfortable Posture.
2 Close your right nostril with your right thumb and breath
(inhale) from the left nostril.
3 Hold the breath till you feel comfortable without using any
force and exhale from the right nostril.
4 Now, close the left nostril with the last two fingers of right hand
and inhale from the right nostril.
5 Hold the breath till you feel comfortable and exhale from the left
nostril.
6 One cycle is completed. Repeat step 1 again and complete 20
cycles.
7 Do the exercise four times a day; morning, noon, evening
and night with an empty stomach, for perfect and fast results.

If the above regime is followed as indicated in the 7 steps, then the nadis will become free from all impurities without delay and certainty.

 

Things to Remember When Practicing Nadi Shodhana Pranayam

 

The breathing pattern is breath out, breathe in, switch sides.
Do not force the breath – keep it gentle and natural.
Allow the breath to be smooth and even without creating force or pressure.
Do not breathe through the mouth or make any sound such as in Ujjayi breath.
Place the fingers very lightly on the nose. There is no need to apply any pressure.
Medical and Health Considerations

Contraindications: None.
While a regular yoga practice can result in improved health, know that it is not a substitute for medical treatment. It is important to learn and practice yoga under the supervision of a trained teacher. In the case of a medical condition, practice yoga after consulting a doctor.

 

 

Notes and Recommendations

 

Advanced pranayama, such as longer breath retention, should be practiced with a skilled teacher. If your nasal passages are blocked in any way, wait until they are clear before initiating Nadi shodhana. Do not begin a breathing practice if you suffer from shortness of breath or high blood pressure.
You can start alternate nostril breathing in the morning before launching into your day, or later when you need an afternoon pick-me-up. It can be included as an opening or closing to your yoga practice. This accessible introduction to pranayama can add balance and nourishment to your life.
Always consult your Health Practitioner before embarking in a new practice and have doubts.

 

 

https://youtu.be/WxEqooqgCEs

 

 

 

 

Andrew Weil, M.D.

 

from: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html

“Practicing regular, mindful breathing can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.”
Andrew Weil, M.D.

Since breathing is something we can control and regulate, it is a useful tool for achieving a relaxed and clear state of mind. I recommend three breathing exercises to help relax and reduce stress: The Stimulating Breath, The 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise (also called the Relaxing Breath), and Breath Counting. Try each of these breathing techniques and see how they affect your stress and anxiety levels.

 

 

The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise

 

 

This breathing exercise is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

 

Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice, you can slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more and more deeply.

This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizing drugs, which are often effective when you first take them but then lose their power over time, this exercise is subtle when you first try it but gains in power with repetition and practice. Do it at least twice a day. You cannot do it too frequently. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded when you first breathe this way, do not be concerned; it will pass.

Once you develop this technique by practicing it every day, it will be a very useful tool that you will always have with you. Use it whenever anything upsetting happens – before you react. Use it whenever you are aware of the internal tension. Use it to help you fall asleep. This exercise cannot be recommended too highly. Everyone can benefit from it.

 

 

Dr. Andrew Weil 4-7-8 Breathing