Pranayama

Pranayama in Sanskrit means ‘the science of breath’. It teaches you breath control, which helps to discipline your mind. In Yoga we breathe through the nose from the diaphragm. When you are sitting or standing in perfect posture and breathing correctly, you will increase your energy levels and revitalise every cell in your body. Breathing from the diaphragm also acts as a natural tranquillizer to calm and soothe the nervous system. When you watch babies and animals breathe you will notice that they breathe naturally from their diaphragms. But at some point as we grow up we forget how to breathe correctly. First of all, pay attention to how you are breathing right now. Most probably, you are lifting you chest with your shoulders overextended backward. This allows only a shallow breath, which fills just half of your lungs, giving you half the energy. Because of all the fresh oxygen that enters the system, some persons feel dizzy when they first start breathing deeply.

Kneel on the floor, sit up, and straighten your spine. Place your hands on your knees. Just concentrate and observe your present breathing pattern. Take your hands to your diaphragm in front of your belly button, and as you inhale your tummy should move outward. Feel your lungs fill with oxygen and move your arms up to your chest. Then extend them outward in front of you. As you exhale, your tummy moves in, so bring your hands slowly back to the first position. Continue to take at least 10 deep breaths until you always breathe from the diaphragm.