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Yoga And The Breath
Stephen Kreutzer
Your yoga practice and the way you breathe are intertwined.
You won't fully experience the benefits of yoga without first
learning how to breathe properly.
Different types of yoga practice call for different types
of breathing, so it is important to note from the beginning
that there is no one right way to breathe in yoga. If, in
your yoga practice, your goal is total relaxation then your
breathing should reflect that. This means long deep breaths
meant to slow your heart rate and allow you to fully relax
into the yoga pose. Here are a few tips:
* The diaphragm is where the breath originates in yoga and
in everyday life. When you breathe in, your stomach puffs
slightly because your diaphragm is filling with air. When
you breathe out, your stomach flattens as your diaphragm empties
itself of air. When you breathe, be sure that your stomach
is moving, that you aren't restricting this movement in any
way.
* It's important to relax every muscle in your chest, your
face, your neck, your shoulders -- even your jaw -- in order
to benefit from a relaxing breath in yoga. One way to do this
is to clench the body part in question and then let go entirely.
You may not even realize that your muscles are locked until
you try to contract them.
* Keep your breaths smooth and easy during your yoga practice.
Everyone breathes at their own natural rate, but becoming
conscious of your breath does not mean controlling it in any
way. Notice your breath and relax into your own natural rhythm.
* Breathing faster, in and out, is a natural reaction to stress
or excitement. It stands to reason then, that relaxing breath
in yoga should accentuate the exhalation. Breathe in naturally
and make sure that your exhalation is longer than your inhalation
and fully empty your diaphragm and lungs of air. * Pausing
between breaths will allow you to relax even further in yoga.
No need to rush through your relaxation.
* When you breathe, feel the oxygen in the lungs and visualize
it reaching every extremity, every toe and finger. Let your
whole body enjoy the relaxing breath in your yoga practice.
When you learn how to breathe, you will find that it comes
naturally in your yoga practice and in time, will continue
in your everyday life.
Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in
Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in
various ezines and provides yoga tips on 123-Yoga.com.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
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