Pranayama (Breath Control)
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Pranayama, the fourth limb of yoga is the conscious control of breath. After perfecting the body and clearing the channels or nadis of the body, the breath is the vehicle which carries our life-force into the various tissues of the body. Studies have been undertaken to show that the oxygen absorption of our cells is greater when we consciously breathe into a tight muscle or spasm. You can imagine your inhalation moving from your nostrils to a particular part of you body in need to care, and then imagine exhaling directly from that place.
You will find several simple pranayama breathing techniques here with step-by-step instructions and practice tips. Please proceed slowly and carefully making sure that you are not feeling any adverse affects such as light-headedness, agitation or shortness of breath. If any of these symptoms occur, go back to your normal breathing pattern and try again another day. Looking for pranayama sequences? Find them in the Home Practice Blog Index: Pranayama, Therapeutic and Prana Vayus. Or browse the expanded instruction on 30+ practices here:
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