chaqz: Breathing Exercises

chaqz | October 12, 2006 | 11:46 PM

Breathing Exercises

Try these breathing exercises. I find it fun and it helps me in making out to sleep.

Alternate Nostril Breathing
© Roger Jahnke O.M.D.

Holding one nostril closed inhale and exhale slowly and deeply. Then hold the opposite nostril closed, inhale and exhale deeply. This breath is often done in preparation for deep relaxation or meditation. You will notice that usually one or the other of the nostrils is more open. If you breath on a small hand mirror, the patch of mist from one nostril will be larger than from the other. The ancient practitioners of Yoga in India were aware of the significance of this and employed this knowledge to enhance health and consciousness. Western science did not notice this phenomena until the 1800's. It has been found recently, through the application of current neuro-science, that the practice of alternate nostril breathing helps to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Applications Suggestions:

Health maintenance: 10 to 12 repetitions, 2 to 3 sessions per day.
Health enhancement: 10 to 12 repetitions, 4 to 6 sessions per day.
Disease intervention: Start slowly and build up to 15 to 20 repetitions, 8 to 10 sessions per day or up to even 100 repetitions in a single session.
Getting started: 10 to 12 repetitions, once or twice per day. Notice that this method is very quieting.

Full Chest and Abdominal Breathing

This method is simply a deepening of the breath. Take slow, deep, rhythmic breaths through the nose. When the diaphragm drops down, the abdomen is expanded allowing the air to rush into the vacuum created in the lungs. Then the chest cavity is expanded, allowing the lungs to fill completely. This is followed by a slow, even exhalation which empties the lungs completely. This simple breath practice done slowly and fully, with intention, concentration and relaxation activates all of the primary benefits of therapeutic breath practice. In Qigong and Pranayama the breath is retained for additional benefit.

Application Suggestions:

Health maintenance: 6 to 10 repetitions, 2 to 3 sessions per day.
Health enhancement: 6 to 10 repetitions, 4 to 6 sessions per day.
Disease intervention: Start slowly and build up to 15 to 20 repetitions, in 10 to 15 sessions per day.
Getting started: 2 to 3 repetitions, once or twice per day. Remember to keep it easy and fun.

Comments: 0

Stars

: 0

No feedback has been posted yet.