The practice of yoga reminds us every day that breath is life. Every time we get on the mat and begin to let air into the lungs, the whole body oxygenates, becomes stronger, healthier and acquires vitality.
The science of Yoga gives practitioners a great variety of breaths. This video teaches us to practice activating pranayama: Surya Bhedana. Surya means "Sun" in Sanskrit, Bhedana means "to pass through". The sun represents the activating, strong and warm masculine energy, connected to the right side of the body, through which one of the main subtle energy channels that flow in our body passes: Pingala Nadi.
Also try to discover guided meditation.
For further information: Chandra Bhedana: the breath that calms anxiety straight. The arms are extended along the body, the hands resting on the knees with the palms facing upwards, the thumb and forefinger are closed in a delicate contact, called Chin Mudra.
Raise your right hand and bring your index and middle fingers between the eyebrows, where the third eye is located, Bhrumadya Drishti, close your eyes but direct your inner gaze towards that point. Take a deep inhale and then exhale completely emptying the lungs.
Are you ready to start Surya Bhedana Pranayama!
Gently close the left nostril with the index finger and slowly inhale with the right nostril, counting to four. Now close the right nostril with the thumb and exhale from the left nostril, again counting to four and trying to empty the lungs. Inhale from the right and exhale from the left.
This type of breathing is performed with alternate nostrils, so after exhalation, close the left nostril again with the middle index finger and inhale with the right nostril always counting to four and then exhale from the left nostril. Keep your back straight, eyes closed and his gaze fixed on the third eye. Continue to inhale from the right and exhale from the left, closing the nostrils alternately. If you can try to increase the length of your breath, bringing it to six counts, both in the "inhale" and "exhale". Feel the sense of warmth, strength and energy that this type of pranayama brings to the entire nervous system.
You can start the first session with ten breaths from both nostrils, and then gradually increase, dedicating at least fifteen minutes a day to your Pranayama. Practice it especially in the morning to give you the right energy to kick-start your day with determination and whenever you feel down in tone, afflicted, dejected and want to bring vitality to your nervous system, lifting the mood.
For further information: Yoga positions to rebalance the hormonal system by bringing heat to the body, it improves digestion, makes the mind sharp. By practicing this breathing the rib cage expands, favoring the opening of the heart and the improvement of its activity. The lungs are decongested and breathing becomes more fluid.
This type of breathing cleans the sinuses, and is always recommended when we are cold and want to purify the airways. It is recommended to always practice it in winter when we feel cold and want to warm the body.
This breathing should be practiced away from meals, because the body already burns a lot of energy during the digestion process. In cases of pregnancy or cardiovascular problems, an intense practice of Surya Bhedana is not recommended.
If we find it hard to wake up in the morning because our mood is always low, Surya Bhedana Pranyama is an excellent ally to face the challenges of our day that awaits us with determination and courage.
We just have to get all on the mat!
This training is done in partnership with Yogaessential
