Breathing is known to all of us as it is a normal daily occurrence. But, we don’t understand its importance until we become short of breath or suffer from any breath ailment. Breath is the energy we need to live. But, how many of us know this, ‘To breathe well is to live well?” How many of us know that breathing consciously can bring amazing effects on our overall health? Focusing and feeling the pranic energy– “the breath” going in and out is an incredible experience. Right breathing techniques not only lengthen the years of our life but also offer a multitude of health benefits. So, start breathing correctly with deep breathing exercises in Yoga and enjoy living life by becoming happier, more productive, and energetic.
Get started with these 5 best yoga deep breathing exercises given below that are beneficial for all of our body’s processes, organs, and, its systems:
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Kapalbhati or Skull Shining Breath:
The regular practice of this breathing exercise provides a glowing head and bright intellect.
How to do: Sit on the floor and fold your knees. Straighten your back and neck. Now, place both your palms on the knees. Close the eyes. Inhale slowly and exhale forcefully in a way your abdomen goes inwards. Keep breathing for 5-10 minutes.
Benefits: Improves the functioning of liver and kidneys. It reduces eye strain and helps get rid of dark circles. It eliminates acidity, toxic gases and cures gas-related problems. The exercise calms the mind, improves its memory and concentration power, and rejuvenates the whole body.
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Bhastrika or Bellows Breath:
This powerful breathing exercise in yoga provides instant energy and power.
How to do: Sit in a comfortable position, Keep your back and neck straight. Close your eyes and relax the muscles of the stomach. Place your palms on the knees. Now, start breathing forcefully with an equal emphasis on inhalation and exhalation. Make sure your breathing is in-depth and powerful following a pace of 1 second for each inhalation and exhalation. The breathing should make the diaphragm expand and contract in tandem. Continue the process for 5-10 minutes.
Benefits: Strengthens the lungs and cures Asthma. It calms the mind, purifies the breath, and improves heart health. It also cures common cold and, improves the functioning of immune system. It improves the metabolic functioning and burns weight faster. It clears the nadis, nostrils and sinuses.
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Anulom Vilom or Alternate Nostril Breathing:
This yoga deep breathing exercise is beneficial for the overall health.
How to do: Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position. Keep the eyes closed and relax all the muscles completely. Close your right nostril by pressing it with the right thumb and inhale through the left one. Retain the breath for a few seconds. Now, remove the thumb from the right nostril and, press the left nostril with the right finger. Now inhale through the right nostril. Hold the breath and remove the right finger to exhale. Repeat the entire process for 10-15 times.
Benefits: Improves the functioning of digestive system and cures constipation. It balances hormones, increases energy, and keep allergies at bay. It helps cure arthritis, sinusitis, eye and ear issue, and diabetes.
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Bhramari or Bee Breathing:
The deep breathing exercise stimulates the metabolism, increases oxygen intake and balances secretion of hormones.
How to do: Sit at a peaceful place in Vajrasana or Padmasana. Stretch the shoulders and keep the back straight. Now, close the ears with thumbs, place the index fingers on forehead and ring fingers on the closed eyes. Breathe deeply at a steady rate and exhale slowly while keeping your mouth closed. When you exhale, make a humming sound in a way that your fingers feel the vibrations. Repeat the procedure for 5-1o times.
Benefits: The yoga breathing exercise cures hypertension, calms the nerves and reduces frustration, anger, anxiety. It reduces blood pressure, migraine issues, and builds confidence. It cures throat problems and provides a clear voice.
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Bahya Pranayama or external Breath:
This deep breathing exercise in yoga is a three-step process that includes inhaling, exhaling, and retaining the breath.
How to do: Sit comfortably in Padmasana or Vajrasana with back straight. Inhale deeply and exhale forcefully. On inhaling, retain the breath while pulling your stomach up and bending your neck to touch the chest with the chin. Stay in the posture for 5-10 seconds and, repeat the whole process about 5 minutes.
Benefits: Cures hernia, diabetes, acidity, constipation, gastric, urinary and reproductive problems. It improves concentration and helps attain enlightenment.
Make deep breathing exercises in yoga a part of your living and enliven your mind, body, and spirit.
