Breathing Exercises
Basic Breath - this breathing exercise is done best lying on a firm surface; low back should be comfortable, with knees bolstered or bent up. Exaggerate movements and breaths at first to get 'the hang' of it. Breathe in through the nose as you push your belly out. Hold the breath and then breathe out of the nose as you pull the belly in. Repeat several times then ending with a gentle non-exaggerated movement. Remember to keep the back of the throat open.
Complete Breath - Sometimes known as Three Part Breathing - Lie on a firm surface, exaggerate to learn as above. Expand just the belly, push it all the way out. Continue, expanding the ribs, filling the middle chest. Continue, breathing into to pchest all the way, even raising the collar bones.
Exhale slowly, repeating several times then ending with non-exaggerated movements.
Alternative methods:
1. Breathe as above in three parts then exhale equally in three parts. first exhale from the upper chest, pauyse then ribs, then belly.
2. Breathe fully from the belly all the way to the collar bones, filling the entire lung cavity, without any pauses. Then exhale, exaggeratedly in three parts. This technique is wonderful for asthma.
Beauty Breath - Stand, feet apart. Close right nostril with the right thumb and inhale deeply threough the left nostril. Close both nostrils, bend forward with the head down. Hold the breath as long as possible without strain. Stand up slowly, still holding the breath, then release the air from the right nostril only. Do this breath only twice, alternating to the left nostril.
Simple Breath - Sit comfortably. Inhale through both nostrils as deeply as you can. Tilt the head back, then let air out through both nostrils with a sound like sighing. This breath is wonderful and beneficial for the liver and spleen.
"F" or "S" Breath - Sit comfortably. Bring the rib cage high. Breathe rapidly through the mouth, mouthing th eletter F or S. (F goes through th elips, S through closed teeth. This breath strengthens the diaphragm and prepares the lungs for th eRecharge Breath.
Recharge Breath - Sit comfortably. Inhale quickly through both nostrils, then give a powerful, sharp exhalation. Repeat this up to thirty times. The emphasis is on the exhalation - make the diaphragm do the work. This breath aids in firming the abdomen and is excellent in shortness of breath, asthma and emphysema.
Doggie Breath - Get down on hands and kenees. Stick your tongue out and bend your elbows. Then pant strongly with deep, quick, coughing breaths sounding like a dog panting. This breath strengthens your thyroid gland, eyes and lungs.
Deep breathing exercises are the most powerful and effective form of stress management.
Dean Ornish, M.D.; Clinical Professor of Medicine - University of CA; Author of "Reversing Heart Disease"
Deep breathing techniques, which increases axygen to the cell, are the most important factors in living a disease free and energetic life.
Dr. Otto Warburg, Institute of Cell Physiology; Nobel Prize Winner
The Latin word for breath is Spiritus. Allow your breath to flow through you as a sense of spirit flows through your body.
Jerry Braza, Ph.D.
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