Breathing for Life

We all started breathing when we were born. It comes so naturally and effortlessly. It is something we do not pay attention to it. Through YTT course, I have realized that breathing is actually a state-of art scientific skill. It is curial to learn to breath.
Pranayama is the conscious and deliberate control and regulation of the breath .
‘Prana’ refers to the subtle energy having the power to create, preserve and change. It keeps people alive. “Agama’ means to regulate or lengthen. When we inhale, we breathe in oxygen , and also “prana”. “Prana” goes through the subtle channel called “nadis” to the energy points “chakras”. ‘The quantity and quality of prana and the way it flows through the nadis and chakras determines state of mind of a person.
Pranayama techniques rely on lengthen and regulating breathing through the nostrils so as to control prana in and out of body. Some common pranayamas include Bhastrika, Kapalabhati, and ujjayi breathing. Regular practicing of pranayama can improve the quantity and quality of prana, clear blocked nadis and chakras. It helps with enlightenments and brings harmony between body-mind-spirit. In a result, practitioner feels physically, mentally and spiritually strong.
In YTT course, we learnt the five steps of purifying or Kyiras in the morning and three of them are pranayama techniques.
Kapalbhati 20x 5 times
-Kapalbhati increases the lung capacity and improves the efficiency of gas exchange. Also, gives good exercise to the diaphragm and whole of the respiratory organs. It helps in improving concentration.
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama 3 times on each side
Alternate Nostril breathing is a breathing technique that helps keep and calm the mind. It can help to balance the left the right brains. It also balance the nadis, so as to make sure smooth flow of prana through the body
Uddiyana bandha 5x 20 sec
-Uddiyana bandha engages abdominal muscles creating a strong core and also activates the Manipura Chakra. Uddiyana Bandha strengthens the digestive systems the body’s energetic core. The abdominal organs are massaged, toned and purified and the adrenal glands are balanced by the abdominal contraction.
Bringing the Pranayama practices into my morning routines has given me the great start of the day and allow me to have the strong body and mind to live the fullest everyday.
Sources:

Uddiyana Bandha, the Abdominal Lock


http://www.artofliving.org/yoga/breathing-techniques/alternate-nostril-breathing-nadi-shodhan
http://ayurveda-foryou.com/yoga/bhastrika_pranayama.html
Charmaine
YTT 200 Sep – Nov 2015 Weekends (Vinyasa Flow)