Power of Breath: Change Your Breath, Change Your Life

What is Yoga?  Many in the West believe it is only the sequencing of movements.  However, it is much more according to the yoga tradition. 

How does the mind and the body actually interact and how do we achieve this connection?  This lecture will cover how the mind and body relate to one another and how the breath affects both.

This lecture explains the importance of the energetic layer of the body and the pathways, called nadis, that make up this system.  It also explains how the energetic layer of the body can be altered breath.

Learn about the importance of the Autonomic Nervous System (Sympathetic and Parasympathetic) on our overall health and how to it is possible to impact this system through consciously shaping the breath.

Learn the benefits to utilizing these valuable breathing techniques.

This is the most accessible breathing technique and is the fundamental breathing technique used throughout a yoga practice.  It can be utilized anywhere to immediately create a sense of calm throughout the body and mind.  The only contraindication would be to not practice with a head cold combined with congestion.

Kapalbhati, also known as Breath of Fire or Skull Shining Breath, is a technique used to produce instant mental clarity.  Other benefits include creating a sense of vitality, clears lungs of stale residual air and saturates the cells with oxygen and strengthens diaphragm, heart and nervous system.

Do not practice after overeating, if you have high blood pressure, emphysema, or severe lung conditions, abdominal cancer, colitis, stomach ulcers, hernia or if you are pregnant or have a head cold with congestion.

Bhastrika breathing relieves lethargy, clears the mind and is a nice preparation for alternate nostril breathing because it oxygenates the system supporting longer inhalations, exhalations and holds.

Do not practice if you suffer from schizophrenia or other mental imbalances, are pregnant, have a head cold, earache, or if you have chronic respiratory imbalances.

Nadi Shodhana is a fundamental breathing technique that has a vast array of benefits.  Think balance when you think of this breathing technique:  balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain, mind body balance, sun and moon aspects (masculine / feminine), the heating and cooling systems and the circadian rhythms of the body.  You will certainly feel more grounded, clear minded, emotionally calm and focused after practicing this breath work.

Do not practice if nasal passages are fully blocked (can be practiced visually if congested) and do not practice over zealously.  

These techniques create a cooling effect on the body and emotions.  Practice if you are feeling physically, mentally or emotionally over heated.  Great for women experiences the effects of menopause.

Soothe the nervous systems, reduce stress, sleep better and feel more relaxed.  This buzzing meditation is also incredibly effective in reducing that endless mental chatter so you can be more focused.

A breathing practice combing Ujjayi to center, leading into Kapalbhati to purify and focus the mind. Ending with several rounds of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) will aid in balance of mind, emotions and body. Great for boosting the immune system.  Use when you need the mind to be clear and to have more energy for your day.

*My apologies for forgetting the 'H' in Shodhana on the white board.  This is a great opportunity to add the intention to your practice that we are all striving for excellence, not perfection.  Do the best you can with these practices and things will unfold naturally.

Find clarity while staying cool.  A combination of ujjayi, bhastrika and sitali techniques.

A longer practice of alternate nostril breathing with breath retention.  This is great preparation for meditation or when you are feeling particular stressed or in need of clarity and balance.