Breathing for Energy
March 27, 2020
Pranayama (pränəˈyämə/) is the regulation of the breath through certain techniques. Different breathing exercises target a variety of mind/body effects. Are you seeking a burst of energy and want to avoid caffeine? Need a way to kickstart another day of working and homeschooling? Do you just need an energy boost?
ABOUT BHASTRIKA PRANAYAMA
What if you could strengthen your immune system and improve digestion in less than 5 minutes? What if you could do a breathing exercise at your desk and feel like you took a brisk walk outside when you are done?
This post introduces you to bhastrika pranayama, a vigorous and energizing breathing exercise of rapid, forceful inhalations through your nose, followed by a forceful exhalation through your nose, with an optional, simple coordinated arm movement. Have a tissue nearby and don’t be shy, let your breath be audible!
LEARN BHASTRIKA PRANAYAMA
Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor and your sit bones (tusch, butt) towards the edge of a chair. Take a normal deep inhalation and exhalation.
Steps:
Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nostrils. First, notice the rising and falling of your belly. Feel your chest expand with your collar bones rising last.
Breathe out quickly through your nostrils. Feel your collar bones dropping, chest deflating, and belly shrinking. This process of exhaling should be much faster than the process of inhaling — think of a popping balloon.
Repeat the process. Inhale and exhale 5 times, then pause. How do you feel? Repeat for 10 inhalations and exhalations. Pause to notice how you feel. Repeat for a count of 15.
OPTION to incorporate arm movements (bring arms to goal post/cactus arms with palms facing away from your body. As you inhale through your nose, quickly inhale your arms up. On the exhale, return them to goal post/cactus)
Repeat steps starting with 15 breaths, pause; then 10 and pause; and end with with a set of 5.
By the time you are finished you may feel REALLY ENERGIZED from the rush of oxygen to your brain. Share your experience in “comments.”
Best,
~ Robyn