Breathing Practice for Yoga

Regular practice will calm the mind and raise your energy levels.  As the lungs strengthen, their capacity will be increased.  Practice little and often-a few rounds of the breathing exercises now and then throughout the day will prepare you for longer sessions during meditation practice.

.Avoid any breathing practices after meals-when your stomach is full it presses against your diaphragm, constricting your lungs.

.Keep your spine stretched and as straight as possible (allowing for its natural curves) whether you are standing, sitting, kneeling or lying down to practice breathing.  This allows maximum lung expansion and helps the free flow of both air and energy.

.Keep your breastbone lifted to open your chest and give your diaphragm room to move freely.  Keep it lifted even when breathing out, letting your diaphragm and rib muscles do all the work.

.Always breathe in through your nose, as it is the filter that protects your lungs from cold, dust, and infections from outside.  Breathe out through your nose unless you are making sounds.

.Develop your focus on, and conscious awareness of, your breathing patterns, so that you constantly monitor their effects upon you.  Develop the habit of watching yourself breathing.

.Slow your breathing down-especially your breath out-whenever you feel agitated or anxious, in order to gain conscious control over y

our autonomic nervous system.

.Stop your breathing practice and rest for a few natural breaths the instant you feel breathless.  Start again when your nervous system has settled down and relaxed.  It is not used to being watched and controlled, as breathing is usually an unconscious process.

The Complete Guide To Yoga.  Judy Smith, Doriel Hall, Bel Gibbs