Pranayama Series / Standing Deep Breathing

The word prana is a Sanskrit word that refers to a vital, life sustaining force of all living beings; the breath. Pranayama is a technique used to control the movement of these vital energies within the body and in turn lead to an increase in vitality in the practioner.

For this reason we begin the class with Pranayama.

Pranayama might feel strange at first, because your lungs are not used to maximum expansion and contraction. It is very normal to, at the beginning not be able to inhale and exhale for the full six counts, but with each class you will find your breath becomes stronger and deeper.

In pranayama breathing we inhale through the nose, mouth closed for a slow count of six as we simultaneously lift our elbows up to the ceiling to allow for maximum expansion of the lungs and rib cage. Chin always level to the floor on the inhale. When you have inhaled completely and reached the count of six, push your head back with the help of the knuckles, mouth opened exhaling all the stale breath to the same slow count of six. Simultaneously on the exhale slowly bring your arms together, first the palms, then the wrist, forearms and last elbows keeping the above the heart, stretching towards the mirror, feeling a stretch in the top of the shoulders.

Feeling dizzy is normal, as you're not used to so much rich, fresh oxygen pouring into your system. That too will disappear with more experience. Keep your eyes open the whole time so you don't loose your balance.

On the inhale you want to try to compress the throat and create a smooth snoring sound as the breath hits the back of your throat. On the exhale, mouth open wide, breathy "HAH" sound.

Standing deep breathing teaches you how to use 100% of your lung capacity and in doing so helps prevent respiratory problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and shortness of breath. In time as the elasticity of your lungs increases, they can actually change the structure of the rib cage that surrounds them. Pranayama also stimulates circulation thus waking up the muscles and the entire body while calming and focusing the mind. The more energy you put into each breath the stronger and easier your entire 90-minute Bikram class will be.

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	Ardha Chandrasana Half Moon Pose
All 26 Bikram Yoga Postures