3. Abdominal Breathing
This breathing technique is probably the first step you should take towards your Pranayama practice.
When our bodies are in an altered emotional state and out of alignment, we often find ourselves engaging in a chest, short and shallow breathing pattern. The abdominal yogic breathing is aimed at correcting that.
As you actually train your body to shift your breath flow down into your tummy, engaging the diaphragm as opposed to your chest, our lower body sends messages to neurons to rest and unwind.
– Lying on your mat in Savasana, rest your right hand on your stomach
– Bring your right hand to your chest
– Bring awareness to your natural breath right now
– Are you engaging your chest or breathing from your belly? Without judgment, simply become aware of your current breathing style
– Once you are comfortable, try to shift your inhales and exhales down into your belly
– Use your hands to bring awareness to where in the body your oxygen flows
– Repeat for 10 to 20 cycles before resting in Savasana for two to five minutes.
