Deep Breathing Techniques
Deep Breathing Techniques
Kumbhaka is retention (not holding) of the breath. Colloquially speaking when someone says “Hold your breath,” we tend to gulp in air and hold it until we need to breathe in oxygen again. On the other hand, retention is an intentional inhale to be held for a set duration before exhalation.
There are two types of breath retention. Antara Kumbhaka retention after an inhale, and Bahya Kumbhaka retention after an exhale. After (inhalation) puraka, there is (exhalation) Rechaka. Rechaka is a lengthened exhalation. The diaphragm is controlled and subsequently, the exhalation may be exponentially longer than the inhalation. Inhaling to the count of 4 and exhaling to the count of 6 or inhaling for 5 seconds and exhaling for 8 to 10-seconds will instantly slow the mind. As you advance Ujjayi breath, and Viloma I, II & III are just some of a myriad of techniques that will help you increase prana in the body—as well as slow fluctuations of the mind. For now, starting with a series of deep, diaphragmatic “belly breaths” will do fine to settle your mind and provide a deep sense of rest and well-being. #deepbreathing #rest #pranayama #health
