What Is Reiki Meditation?Many people confuse the term meditation
with prayer. They are actually two very different things. To put it
simply, when we pray, we are attempting to talk to God. We are
trying to tell him what we want. Meditation is when we take the
time to actually find out what God is trying to say. Reiki
Meditation is an important tool for centering and calming the body,
mind, and soul. It plays an important role in many traditional
forms of healing and therapy.There are many different methods of
performing the art of meditation; however the goal of all of these
methods is the same. Most types of meditation rely on one of three
methods to achieve a meditational state: monitoring breathing,
reciting a mantra (chanting), or focusing on an object.Reiki has
also specified a form of meditation. This form of meditation helps
the Reiki adept to connect with the life force of the universe and
to centre himself (or herself) and his (or her) auras. Reiki
meditation involves the use of Reiki mantras and focusing on Reiki
symbols. How Is Reiki Meditation Performed?The ideal time for
practicing Reiki meditation is early in the morning, when your mind
is refreshed after the night's sleep. However, it can be performed
during other times of the day as well, depending on your
convenience. Reiki meditation should be performed in quiet,
tranquil surroundings. Sit down comfortably on a chair or on the
floor. Make sure that your back is straight, do not slouch or rest
it against the back of the chair. Close your eyes and place your
hands on your lap with your palms facing down. Focus your attention
on your "Hara", the area just below your navel where the body's
energy is said to reside. Force your mind to focus on the mediation
by stating your intentions in your mind. Slowly lift your right
hand to just below the left shoulder, palms facing downward. Slowly
move this hand diagonally to the right hip. Repeat this motion with
your left hand. This motion should be carried out thrice with each
hand. Now join your hands as if saying a prayer and raise them
above your head. Visualize energy entering your body through your
hands and flowing down into your "Hara".Now lower your hands down
to their original position and focus on your breathing.When you
breathe in through your nose, visualize energy flooding your body.
When you exhale visualize that the energy is being transmitted from
your body in all directions. Continue this process of breathing
until you feel refreshed and re-energized.Reiki and YogaReiki-yoga
is a new form of alternative therapy that aims to merge two age-old
spiritual concepts, namely reiki and yoga. In order to understand
reiki-yoga, one must first understand what each of these
concepts.What is Reiki?Reiki is an energy altering technique, which
stimulates the chakras (points in the body through which life force
or ki enters) present in the body, enabling the body to heal
itself. Reiki is an age old Eastern philosophy that believes in the
concept of ki that is present in the body. This life force is
responsible for both physical health as well as mental wellness.
Any disruption in ki, results in imbalances in health, and reiki
works towards healing these problems by simply altering the energy
field with the use of hands to impart energy from the higher power
or source of all life.What is Yoga?Yoga is an ancient Indian
spiritual practice. Today, yoga is used to help people keep
physically fit as well as mentally well. Yoga is practiced through
the form of asanas or postures that help increase circulation as
well as metabolism, resulting in better health. Yoga is being
favored as a form of exercise all over the world as research
suggests that there may indeed be a lot of benefits to this ancient
practice.Reiki and YogaBoth reiki as well as yoga are believed to
help relax the mind and body, relieving stress, pain and anxiety. A
mix of these two ancient practices increases the possibility of
wellness, as it not only helps one to have a healthier life but
also helps to clear out blockages in the life force, resulting in a
physically as well as emotionally healthy life.While more and more
people are looking at reiki as an alternative option to heal their
ailments, there is not enough proof to substantiate that this
therapy does indeed work for anything other than relieving stress
and anxiety. For this reason, reiki should always be used as a
complementary treatment option and not as a replacement for regular
medical care.ConsiderationsBoth yoga as well as reiki have no
negative side effects and are usually safe to practice. It is,
however, important that in order to receive maximum benefits, one
consult a reliable and experienced practitioner. Pregnant women and
those which certain medical conditions must consult a doctor as
well as inform the healing gurus about their condition as certain
yoga postures are not allowed during pregnancy.Reiki and Weight
LossReiki is a spiritual healing practice. According to reiki, life
giving energy or ki enters the body through parts in the body
called chakras. There are seven main chakras in the body through
which this energy enters, the head or crown, the third eye, the
throat, the heart, the solar plexus, the belly, and the root
chakra.As per reiki, most of our problems are due to imbalances in
the energy flow. Reiki helps bring about balance, thereby restoring
physical, spiritual, emotional and psychological balance, leading
to complete healing of the mind, body and soul. Reiki is practiced
placing the hands over or on the chakras and rectifying any
imbalances. In traditional reiki, the hands usually do not touch
the body but seem to manipulate a field around the body. In
westernized reiki, however, the hands are placed directly on the
parts of the body where the chakras are believed to be
located.Reiki and Weight LossUnhealthy weight gain is attributed to
an imbalance in the flow of energy, resulting in carrying an excess
weight that is not normal. Reiki is believed to help restore the
flow of ki and balance the problems that cause the accumulation of
weight in the first place. According to Reiki, each chakra in the
body is responsible for certain functions. The belly or the spleen
chakra, which is present right under the stomach, is responsible
for our emotional wellbeing. When there is an imbalance in the flow
of energy in this area, there will be problems related to eating,
resulting in either overeating or eating disorders.Additionally,
the solar plexus chakra is responsible for will power. Any
imbalances of flow of energy in this area will result in will power
related problems. Healing the chakras in the spleen as well as the
solar plexus is believed to help manage weight problems. While
there is not enough proof documented that alternative therapies
such as yoga and reiki help lose weight, most people who practice
yoga and reiki to lose weight, tend to swear by it. People who
practice reiki believe that they are more relaxed, more emotionally
stable, and as a result more capable of controlling their
weight.The use of mind body therapies like reiki by people for
various health reasons has increased drastically over the last
decade with more people aware of the wellness benefits of such
practices. However, reiki should not take the place of regular
medical care.Using Traditional Reiki for a Healthy BodyReiki is an
ancient healing practice that is said to have originated in Tibet
over 3,000 years ago. It was rediscovered in Japan and has been in
practice ever since. Reiki practitioners believe that the body has
seven energy circles or chakras that correspond to seven major
organs of the body. Free flowing energy chakras denote a healthy
body and mind. An obstruction in any of these energy fields leads
to physical or mental illness. Reiki helps to resolve these energy
imbalances through massages or meditation. Reiki also strengthens
the bodys immune system so that it can heal itself.The modern world
today is sitting up and taking note of alternative healing
practices like Reiki to help resolve health problems. Small bodies
of research are proving the efficiency of such treatments. The
Reiki healing process usually works when a certified healer uses
his/her hands to transfer energy to the patient. Physical contact
is recommended, but not necessary. Certain studies have proved that
healing can also take place over long distances without any contact
between the healer and the patient.One can also practice Reiki
individually without a healer. This form of Reiki is very simple
and is easy to practice. Seat yourself comfortably with your hands
placed as if in prayer. Ideally, the environment should be calm and
quiet so as to aid meditation. Begin by breathing in and out
slowly. This helps to calm the mind and remove unnecessary
thoughts. While breathing in, envisage healing energy entering your
body and making its way through all your chakras removing all
obstructions with it. When you exhale, imagine this healing energy
leaving your body and merging with the universe. If you have a
particular health problem, concentrate on the chakra that
corresponds to it while breathing. Repeating this process will have
a calming effect on the mind and will leave you feeling refreshed
and energized.Reiki healing is not limited to the self. You can try
simple healing to help another person as well. Start with
meditating in the same manner described above. Once the energy
starts flowing freely within your body, use your imagination to
send this energy to the other person. Envisage that this healing
energy purifies and removes all obstacles in the other persons
chakras.Reiki healing is proving to be an effective method of
alternative therapy. However, please do not ignore medical science
and stick only to the practice of Reiki healing. Consult your
doctor regularly and continue with allopathic treatment alongside
Reiki healing for the best results.Balancing the Energy Flow in
Your BodyAncient healing practices originating in India believed
that the human body is made up of seven chakras or energy circles.
These chakras form an important part of human existence and are
central to practices such as yoga, reiki, and acupuncture. The
theory of chakras is believed to have travelled east from India
into China and Japan and is therefore deeply rooted in Asian
medical history.The seven chakras in the human body correspond to
the seven vital organs. Free flowing energy in these chakras
denotes a healthy body and mind. However, obstructions in the
energy circles cause illness and discomfort. The Western school of
thought tended to disregard the theory of chakras as it is not
visible to the eye and therefore cannot be proved. In recent times,
however, there has been a growing change with a lot of people
turning to alternative therapy that is rooted in the chakra system.
Studies are proving the efficacy of these treatments to resolve
stress, anxiety and other physical ailments.The chakras in our body
can be likened to power stations that collectively add to the life
force of an individual. They are located vertically from the base
of the spine to the top of the head. Over time, poor lifestyle
choices and negative energy can cause an unbalancing of these
chakras. This can lead to ill health and problems like depression
and anxiety. Healing techniques like reiki therapy, massages,
Ayurveda, hot stone therapy, and aromatherapy can help to restore
balance and usher in a happier state of life.Techniques for
Balancing the Energy FlowThere are several different types of
chakra balancing massages. In certain practices, the healer
concentrates on points in the body that correspond to the chakras.
By gently rubbing these points in a clockwise fashion, the masseuse
helps to remove obstructions from the chakra in question. Reiki, a
healing practice originating from Japan also uses the theory of
chakras to aid in healing. A Reiki practitioner uses his/her hands
as a medium to transfer healing energy to the individuals chakra
points. Reiki has also proved effective over long distances, thus
proving that touch is not necessary to carry out the healing
process. The hot stone massage therapy is another method that helps
to balance the chakras by placing hot stones along the spine of the
individual along the chakra points. These stones help to remove
obstructions and clear a path for smooth and uninterrupted energy
flow. People can also try simple meditation techniques at home as a
means to clear the chakras. Simple breathing exercises and
concentrating on the chakra points can leave one feeling refreshed
and energized in a matter of minutesPranayama - Breathing
Exercises"When prana moves, chitta (mental force) moves. When prana
is without movement, chitta is without movement. - Hathayoga
Pradipika 2.02."Pranayamas are breathing exercises developed by the
ancient yogis. They are used to purify the Pranic nadis in the
Pranamaya Kosha by controlling, regulating, and channelizing the
Prana in the body.Prana is taken in through the air we breathe,...
...and since the breathing exercises increase the amount of air we
take in, they also increase our intake of Prana.In Sanskrit Prana
means energy or vital force and yama means control. So, in English
this would translate into control of the vital breath. However,
there's much more to Pranayama than just control of the vital
force. Pranayama essentially involves three things: regulating the
breath, controlling the vital force and chanalizing the Pranas in
the right directions.The principle of in Yoga is that, order to
alter a situation we must make changes in the energy that governs
it. To bring about positive changes in body and mind we must
understand and work upon the energies through which they work. This
is done through a set of exercises that entail synchronized
breathing. In Yoga the right or solar nadi is considered masculine
or solar in nature. The left is feminine or lunar in nature. It is
Pitta or fire predominant and increases energy on the right side.
The left or the lunar nadi, is Kapha or water predominant, and
increases energy on the left side of the body. To maintain harmony
in our Pranic or Subtle body, we should have an equal number of
breaths from both nostrils. Since this is not always possible
through normal breathing, Pranayama helps chanelize them.It is also
for precisely this reason that Yoga also prescribes a sattvic diet,
rich in Prana i.e., foods full of the life-force and a mind rooted
in moral and ethical values like truth and non-violence. An impure
or toxic body and mind cannot remain healthy for long.But, before
we proceed further, there is something else we must understand. You
might have noticed the use of the word Pranas in the last line of
the first paragraph. Essentially, and little known to the general
public, the Prana consists of 5 different Pranas, viz Prana, Apana,
Samana, Vyana and Udana, each performing a different function.They
are all contained in a sheath called the Pranamaya Kosha consisting
of roughly 3,64,000 nadis or subtle nerve channels that are
connected to out other gross and subtle bodies and sheaths. Thus,
the one primary Prana is divided into five, basis their movement,
direction and function. Further, they can be classified as energies
and processes occurring on different levels in our
system.PranaLiterally meaning "air flowing forward", it governs the
flow of energy from the head down to the navel, the Pranic center
in the physical body. It is responsible for all types of inward
reception from inhalation to eating, drinking to reception of sense
perceptions and experiences. Propulsive in nature, it sets and
guides things in motion, thereby governing the basic energy that
sustains our lives.ApanaApana, means "regressing air" and, like the
name suggests, it moves downward and outward. It governs the
movement of energy from the navel down to the root chakra and is
responsible for all forms of systemic discharge, including carbon
dioxide in the breath, stools, urine, semen, menstrual fluids and
the fetus. On a deeper level it forms the basis of our immune
system and governs the expulsion of all negative sensory, mental
and emotional experiences.SamanaMeaning "balanced air", Samana
flows from the perimeter to the center, in a judicious churning
movement. It chanalizes the flow of energy from the entire body
back to the navel. Primarily, though, it governs the
gastrointestinal tract, i.e. it facilitates digestion of food and
absorption of oxygen in the lungs. Mentally it serves to digest and
assimilate all sensory, mental and emotional inputs.VyanaVyana,
means "air flowing outward". Contrariwise Samana, this one governs
flow of energy from the navel throughout the body. Flowing from the
center to the periphery, it governs all circulatory functions and,
in the bargain, assists the task of all other Pranas. It regulates
the flow of oxygen, nutrition and water throughout the system, as
well as disseminates our thoughts and emotions.UdanaUdana, "upward
moving air," literally moves upwards. It governs energy movement up
from the navel to the head. Naturally, it is responsible for
growth, aids and abets all bodily effort, enthusiasm and will,
including the ability to stand and speak. Our main positive energy
in life, it facilitates development of our different bodies as well
as in evolving consciousness.In summation, Prana governs the intake
of all forms of nutrients, Samana regulates their digestion, Vyana
sees to their circulation, Udana administers the release of
positive energy and Apana, the elimination of waste matter from the
system. Pretty much like operations of an organization, Prana
fetches the fuel, Samana transforms it into energy, Vyana
distributes it to the various departments and Apana discharges the
waste matter produced in the process. Finally, Udana decides how
the positive energy generated is to be used.The secret of good
health lies in balance and harmony. Since all the Pranas are
interlinked, if even one becomes unstable, the others are
susceptible to similar imbalance. Result, the working of the entire
machine goes out of gear. This gets translated into mental and
physical afflictions and indispositions.The Art of
PranayamaPranayama is both the science and art of purifying the
nadis in the Pranamaya Kosha. Through regulated breathing i.e.
altering the rhythm of inhalation and exhalation, it is possible to
control the prana, vital force in the body. Pranayama is the
process by which such conscious control is achieved through
synchronized breathing. Purifying the channels along which the life
stream of 'prana' flows, helps prevent and even cure a variety of
physical and mental ailments. In the process, it also increases
one's overall immunity and resistance to disease.The best position
to be assumed for these practices is sukhasana or the easy pose it
also happens to be the most comfortable. The critical thing to bear
in mind, however, is posture. The back, neck and head should be
kept erect, i.e. in a straight line. And yet, the body should not
be stiff. It should be in its natural relaxed condition. You can
prepare for this by practicing shavasan, the corpse pose, for a few
minutes. To prepare for pranayama it is first better to breathe
relaxed in the abovementioned ratio. Do this a few rounds, for a
few days. The next step is to learn the knack of full yogic
breathing. This is also called Dirga Pranayama the three part
breath. Known as the "complete" or "three-part" breath, Dirga
Pranayama teaches you how to fill the three regions of the body
with Oxygen. The first is the belly (on top of or just below the
navel), The second is the chest (the thorax or rib cage), and The
third is the clavicular region (or upper chest, near the
sternum)Technique1. Sit in sukhasana or any other comfortable
position with back, spine, and neck erect. Alternately you may even
lie down on your back. Start by taking slow, long, and deep nasal
breaths2. As you inhale, let your abdomen fill with air. As you
exhale, let your belly deflate like a balloon. Repeat the exercise
a few times, keeping your breath smooth and relaxed. Never strain3.
Breathe into your belly as in Step 2, but also inflate your
thoracic region by letting your rib cage open up. Exhale and repeat
the exercise a few times4. Follow steps 2 and 3 and continue
inhaling by opening the clavicle region or upper chest. Exhale and
repeat the exercise a few times5. Combine all three steps into one
continuous or complete flowOnce you have got a good feel for this
style of breathing, start practicing without the aid of your hands.
Finally, relax and breathe in the three positions quietly feeling
the waves of breath move in and out, up and down the
body.Benefits:The practice of Dirga Pranayama inculcates correct
diaphragmatic breathing, relaxes the mind and body, optimally
oxygenates the blood and cleanses the lungs of residual toxins.For
all Pranayama the right fingers and thumb should be used to control
the right and left nostrils, unless one is otherwise naturally
left-handed. A ratio of two to one is generally maintained, that
is, the inhalation time should be half that of exhalation. For
example, if inhalation takes 5 seconds, exhalation should take 10
seconds. Breathing should be slow and steady, in and out of the
nose, unless otherwise advised.Please Note: Not all Pranamayas can
or should be mastered in a day or week or month. The process may
and should take a few months. Even after that, it is not necessary
to do all 8 Pranamayas daily. The daily mandatory Pranamayas are
Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma. The rest may be done at one's own
convenienceThe 8 Pranamayas are:1. Kapalabhati2. Anuloma Viloma3.
Ujjayi4. Bhastrika5. Shitali6. Sitkari7. Suryabhedana8.
BhramariTake into consideration your own time and convenience but
see that all 8 Pranayamas are covered in a week. The same goes for
asanas.But remember, even though Kapalabhati is not a Pranayama,
yet it is a vital part of the program. As the name suggests, it is
a cleansing technique in preparation for Pranayama and should be
done everyday, without fail. For complete, step by step details of
how it should be done, kindly refer our section - Cleansing
TechniquesFor optimum benefits, yoga practices should be coupled
with a balanced diet, Naturopathy, Ayurveda and Aromatherapy.What
are the benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing?Alternate nostril
breathing or Nadi Shodhana is a technique of breathing in which the
individual breathes in and out through one nostril and then goes on
to the next. Alternate nostril breathing helps in directing the
flow of prana or the life force of the body through the entire
body. Alternate nostril breathing benefits by bringing about a
state of deep relaxation, clearing the mind, and calming the body.
This breathing technique also helps in balancing the right and left
hemispheres of the brain. You can enhance the benefits of yoga by
practicing alternate nostril breathing after the Surya Namaskar
(Sun Salutation) sequence.What is One Nostril Breathing aka
Alternate Nostril Pranayama ?The one nostril breathing pranayama is
a breathing exercise that helps in stimulating memory. The simple
technique of left nostril breathing helps in improving spatial
memory. This type of memory enables you to remember effectively
where you have placed your things. To practice this breathing
exercise you should close your right nostril and breathe slowly and
deeply through your left. Continuing this exercise regularly will
slow down the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and
increased heart rate. Another breathing exercise you could try is
alternate nostril breathing, which is considered to be a very
effective stress reliever. It is also essential that you maintain a
proper diet to maximize the benefits.What is teeth hissing? -
Sitkari | Teeth Hissing ExerciseTeeth hissing or Sitkari refers to
the sound that is made when air is drawn in through the front teeth
either slightly opened or tightly closed, with the tip of the
tongue regulating the pressure of air and sound. This technique
refers only to breathing in, while exhalations take place normally
through both the nostrils. Properly practicing the teeth hissing
exercise one can help reduce the effects of thirst, hunger as well
as laziness and sleepiness. The teeth hissing exercise is also
considered to be effective in preventing the increase of bile in
the body, and it also helps improve physical and mental
performance.What Are The Advantages And Techniques of Abdominal
Breathing | ChildrenWhen the diaphragm gets weak, individuals with
lung diseases develop a pattern of breathing that makes use of
accessory muscles like the rib, shoulder, and neck muscles to
breathe. Diaphragmatic breathing is a breathing technique that
helps in correcting this habit by making the abdominal muscles and
diaphragm strong. The advantage of this abdominal breathing
technique is that more air will go in and out of the lungs without
the chest muscles getting tired. Abdominal breathing in children
tends to come naturally, but as we grow, with the tensions and
pressures of everyday life, we start to breathe from the chest.
Therefore, make sure to check you breathing technique and bring
about the necessary changes for better health.What Are The Benefits
of Pranayama And Bumblebee Exercises?Bumblebee yoga is a breathing
practice in which the lips are to be kept shut and one needs to
smoothly and gently make the sound of a humming bee in the throat.
This pranayama exercise is considered to be very effective in
making the breath smooth and the mind quiet. Some of the other
benefits of the bumblebee exercise are the reducing of migraine
headaches, bringing better concentration in the mind, and getting
rid of mental agitation. Advanced practitioners can get into deep
meditative states with this exercise. This exercise also helps in
inducing sleep, stability, and relaxation. However, make sure to
practice this breathing exercise under the guidance of a qualified
instructor.To perform the bumblebee breath asana you should
practice Tadasana with your spine straight and tall. Take a deep
and slow breath through your nose and exhale making the sound
hummmm as long as you can. Then, do it again with your eyes closed,
concentrating on the sound. Then, try it again with your eyes
closed and your hands blocking your ears. Practicing the bumblebee
breath meditation can help soothe anxiety and bring calmness to the
mind. It also helps with concentration and memory. Pranayama and
pratyahara comes in to enable a transition from the asanas to
meditation. Pranayama helps us control vital energies and
pratyahara helps us master unruly senses.Breathing Techniques &
ExercisesBreathing is a very important aspect of our life. There is
a saying that goes Life is breath and breath is life. So long as
there is breath in the body there is life.Our physical health,
mental balance and emotional stability are all affected in the
manner that we breathe. When we breathe well our respiratory system
works its best, by using full capacity of the lungs. There is a
remarkable improvement in digestive, circulation and eliminative
process.This will improve your state of mind and physically you
will feel better. The quality of your breathing also affects the
functioning of all the systems of the body and the quality of your
entire life.Improper breathing techniques is the root cause to a
number illness. People get habituated and become droopy and lazy
and they consider it a normal condition, which is unfortunately
not.Good breathing techniques has many benefits and is slow, full,
deep and rhythmic and 1. Improves your sleep pattern.2. It aids in
calming the mind, nerves and emotion.3. Improves all mental
processes including concentration and memory.4. Tension is
released.5. It supplies more oxygen to the body cells and so blood
is purified.6. Helps to overcome tiredness and to rejuvenate
energy.When we breathe in or inhale, oxygen is absorbed by every
cell of the body to carry on activities of our life. And we breathe
out or exhale to throw out waste products of inhalation, which is
carbon dioxide. When we breathe in oxygen is drawn into the lungs
from the atmosphere and then carried to the blood, which is pumped
by the heart and is carried around the body. When we breathe out
carbon dioxide collected by the blood from all the bodys tissues
are thrown out.The lungs can expand, as they are elastic and
flexible. They have a huge capacity but few people use only a small
amount of it. If the lungs were opened and spread out, they would
occupy an area forty times larger than the skin of the whole
body.We think that with a deep breath we can lift our upper chest
and thrust it out with a gasp or a loud sniff. This is not correct.
It will have reverse effect on deep breathing, because it reduces
the space within your chest cavity rather then increasing it and
this compresses the lung.Our lungs can be compared to a pair of
balloons which when blown expand in all directions that is
forwards, backwards, sideward and downward as well as upwards. This
expansion depends a lot on the tone and elasticity of the muscles
involved in breathing process: the intercostals muscles, the
diaphragm and to some extent the abdominal muscles.The brain sends
the nerve impulses through the brain to the intercostals muscles
and the diaphragm, by which breathing is controlled. Here the
muscular action is automatic and the impulses are not under our
control. By improvising our breathing techniques we in our
consciousness can control the condition of the muscles and the
quality of their action.1. The intercostals musclesThe intercostals
muscle occupies the space between the ribs. To help with inhalation
and exhalation the muscles extend and contract.When the
intercostals muscle are functioning well the action of the ribs are
free and smooth. These muscles are attached to our breastbone in
the front and to our spine at the back. When we breathe in, the
space within the chest is increased facilitating the lungs to fill
and expand because the muscles swing upwards and outwards towards
the armpits. On the other hand when we breathe out they relax and
come back to their original position. The lungs return to their
resting state and the space within the chest is reduced.2. The
diaphragmThe diaphragm is a dome shaped sheet of muscle, which is
large and strong and separates the chest from the abdomen. Its
functions are to allow the lungs to fill and expand: empty and
reduce with the help of the intercostals muscle. As you breathe in
your diaphragm moves downwards increasing the space within the
chest cavity. When you breathe out it relaxes coming back to its
resting position and space within the chest is reduced.As explained
earlier the action of the diaphragm is not under our control, but
the quality of action is related to the condition of the
intercostals muscle. The action of the diaphragm will be limited if
there is less movement and the toning is not proper. The movement
is unlimited and proper, and breathing is slow, full and rhythmic
if both are functioning well. The abdominal organs are toned,
massaged and exercised by the movement of the diaphragm.3. The
abdominal musclesIn the process of breathing the abdominal muscles
also have a role to play. The abdomen is separated from the chest
cavity by the diaphragm. Since the diaphragm lies in between it
forms the floor of one and roof of the other. When we breathe in
the diaphragm moves downwards to create space within the chest, and
the abdomen provides room for it to do so. The abdominal muscles
create the required space, by moving forward a little. The
diaphragm and the abdominal muscles relax and return to there
resting position after every out breath.Our abdomen should be in a
relaxed position when we breathe in normally. The breath will be
unnatural if we try to push it forwards purposely. Gradually you
will develop a potbelly, because your abdominal muscles will weaken
and droop. But towards the end of an out breath if there is a
slight pull on the abdominal muscles, then it assists the upward
movement of the diaphragm leading to a more complex out breath. The
abdominal organs are massaged and the left over air (carbon
dioxide) is thrown from the lungs. For the abdominal this is the
most effective way of exercising them.Very few of us breathe well.
And so we need to improve it. Babies and young children breathe
well. But with age, most of the people lose this ability. Shallow
breathing techniques is the result of stress, tension, emotional
problems, atmospheric pollution, lack of exercise, smoking, poor
postural habits and poor eating habits. Rapid and irregular
breathing techniques takes place mainly in the upper chest, with
little use of ribcage and lung capacity.When we get habituated to
restricted breathing, the intercostals muscles are forced to work
less and they forget their actual functions and finally lose their
natural elasticity and the ability to get back to their original
shape. Everything suffers because the action of the diaphragm is
quick and restricted, the ribcage becomes rigid and fixed and we
start breathing in shallow manner.It will take time to change your
faulty breathing techniques. To start functioning properly in the
earlier manner, tone and elasticity should be restored to the
intercostals muscles. Dont start breathing more deeply suddenly to
set right your breath. That will be unnatural and will make you
feel uncomfortable.Exercising is the proper way to start developing
healthy breathing habits. Any form of exercise like walking,
running, cycling and swimming will help. This will make your
breathing apparatus to work more efficiently because your need for
oxygen increases. There are even exercises designed specially, for
the intercostals muscles to work while sitting or standing. When
you exercise the chest opens, the ribcage extends and the lungs
expand. All this will lead to slow and deep breath, which is
perfect. When the tone of intercostals muscle improves, there will
be a natural healthy breath pattern, which will increase the flow
of energy throughout your entire body system. This will improve
your health physically and your concentration mentally. But your
lifetime habit of breathing cannot be changed within a day. You
will observe the changes only if you practice daily for a few
minutes.Many of the exercises that we discussed in earlier chapter
especially arm rotations, the upper back exercises and various
spinal stretches all aid proper breathing. In the next chapter
exercises for movement and breathing in a standing position are
discussed. These cultivate better breathing habits in us.If you sit
badly things will be very bad and you will be unable to breathe
properly because if your spine stoops your chest will collapse and
your abdomen will be squashed. Office environment hardly
facilitates better breathing because you are sitting inside almost
all the time without fresh air and poor ventilation. Due to this
there is very little breathing exercise and there is not much
requirement of oxygen and the lungs and breathing muscles are not
working efficiently.Like I have been mentioning always learn to sit
well on top priority. Breathing is something without which we cease
to exist therefore we need to create good conditions for this
important activity. This I have already explained in Chapter 1. You
will be giving yourself a chance to breathe well at all times if
you learn to sit well.Yoga is a word adopted from Sanskrit and it
means union. In simple words it is the union the co-ordination of
mind, body and breath. Maintaining balance, peaceful existence and
integration is the main aim of yoga. The important factors in yoga
practice are breath awareness and co-ordination among breath and
movement.The body and mind are linked to each other by an important
factor, breath. The aim with which we practice breath awareness and
co-ordination is to bring the body and mind into peaceful
existence. We create energy by observing and following breathing
exercise and besides that we can save energy rather then waste it.
By breath awareness we learn to concentrate on a single thing at a
time. This is a good foundation towards meditation practice. During
a practice session there is a short period for relaxation usually
at the beginning and at the end of the session. When we practice
breath awareness throughout the session our mind becomes calm,
steady and attentive. Your inward attention increases and you
become more sensitive towards your inner being. This will further
lead you to a sense of profound stillness, refreshed and peaceful
feeling with your inner self which is the last part of
relaxation.The peaceful and quiet atmosphere at home or the
atmosphere of a yoga class are very encouraging to attain state of
harmony and to carry on your breathing exercise when compared to
work place atmosphere. Whether you are practicing for two minutes
or two hours the principle is the same.At work place too you may
get well adapted to carry on with your breathing exercise if you
practice regularly. Prepare yourself absorb wholly in what you are
doing and forget all the problems lying on your desk for a few
minutes.After certain time of practice you will be overwhelmed by
the benefit from the breathing exercises and would love to devote
more time to it. You may even start practicing at home. If this
happens then your efforts will bear fruits of which you havent even
imagined. And what started off, as a mere exercise to relieve
certain tension will end becoming an important part of your
life.Related Searches Yoga At Office - Learn Yoga Relaxation
Techniques For Workplace - Relaxation techniques: Yoga at office is
very essential and helpful as people have to cope up with long
hours traveling, tension and stress at work Types Of Pranayama
Breathing Exercises: Techniques & Benefits - Breathing
exercises purify the Nadis by controlling, regulating, and
channelizing Prana in a human being. Pranayama has tremendous
curative benefits o deep breathing techniques : Deep Breathing
Technique: Raise Oxygen Level In Blood & Enhance Fitness - Deep
breathing has been considered essential for maintaining prana, the
life-force energy. More recently even Americans have begun to
embrace the wisd Yoga and Breathing | Kriya Yoga | Yoga Breathing
Techniques purify the Nadis by controlling, regulating, and
channelizing Prana in a human being. Pranayama has tremendous
curative benefits o - Yoga Kriya Breathing Techniques - while doing
Yoga asanas and pranayamas pay attention your body. Always respect
its limits. Will practice of kriya breathing techniques have any
impact on birth control?Yoga or kriya breathing techniques cannot
have direct impact on birth control but yoga helps in controlling
the emotions of the human body. It helps in increasing the
concentration of the human body and at the same time aids in
meditation. For birth control the regulation of the desire for sex
has to be controlled and practicing yoga helps to attain that.
Taking medications for self-restraint would also help in decreasing
the sexual desire of the human body. Yoga helps to provide a
control over all the organs of the body and increases the mental
capacity of the individual and provides calmness to the mind and
the body. Kriya yoga helps in having a disciplined life. It
increases the organizational capability of the individual and helps
in channeling the energy in any desired direction. It controls the
energy near the spinal cord of the body. Various forms of yoga like
karma yoga (yoga of action) , bhakti yoga (yoga of devotion) and
jnana yoga (yoga of knowledge) also works wonders in having a
controlled breath mechanism for the overall better functioning of
the human body. Karma yoga helps in maintaining a control on the
actions of the body ins and outs. Kriya yoga helps in breath
control and helps in providing support to the brain and the spinal
cord. Brain is the mediator in the body and once one gains command
over the brain then one can easily control the body.All physical
actions of the body are controlled by the lower brain and spinal
cord and hence controlling these delicate organs of the body helps
in gaining the control over all other organs. Kriya yoga generates
Tapa agni which helps in clearing the negative thoughts and provide
relief of mind and body from various sins. It helps in restoring
the human body physically and psychologically. Along with kriya
yoga, hatha yoga also helps in increasing the flexibility of the
body and one can achieve maximum benefits of yoga in this manner.
It helps to keep the mind free from the distractions and various
thoughts. Thoughts including positive, negative and helps to
control all emotions of the body and curb the desire for
sex.Various mudras in yoga also help in channeling the energy
within the body in the desired directions and it also helps in
increasing the magnetic spree between the mind and the body. It
also helps in gaining salvation.Deep BreathingNothing could be more
natural than breathing, right? You might be amazed to learn that
breathing - an act that we perform some 30,000 times every day -
can very much influence our health and happiness on a number of
levels. For long, proper, deep breathing has been considered
essential for maintaining prana, the life-force energy. More
recently even Americans have begun to embrace the wisdom of taking
a deep breath.Breathing incorrectly produces tension, exhaustion
and vocal strain. It interferes with athletic activity and
encourages aches and illnesses. Breathing properly, however, can
'melt away tension and stress, improve energy or simply help you
relax and unwind.'Most of us tend to take our breathing for
granted: Breathing, however, oxygenates every cell of our bodies,
from our brains to our vital organs. Without sufficient oxygen, our
bodies become more susceptible to health problems. Deep breathing,
on the other hand, raises our levels of blood oxygen, promoting
health in many ways - from stimulating our digestive processes to
improving our fitness and mental performance. If you are a shallow
breather:Don't worry, most people are 'shallow breathers.' They
merely use the narrow top portion of their lung surfaces for oxygen
exchange. Their breath literally stops at the diaphragm - a band of
tissue called our 'spiritual muscle.'To find out if you are a
shallow breather, try this simple test: Place the palms of your
hand against your lower abdomen and exhale all the air. Then, take
a big, deep breath. If your abdomen expands when you inhale and air
appears to be flowing in deeply to the pit of your belly, then you
are on the right track.More typically, though, shallow breathers
are more likely to take a breath and suck in their stomachs. This
pushes their diaphragm up so the air has nowhere else to go. What
happens next is that the shoulders rise up to make room. All this
effort for what should be a natural gift.Pranayama - Breathing
Exercises"When prana moves, chitta (mental force) moves. When prana
is without movement, chitta is without movement. - Hathayoga
Pradipika 2.02."Pranayamas are breathing exercises developed by the
ancient yogis. They are used to purify the Pranic nadis in the
Pranamaya Kosha by controlling, regulating, and channelizing the
Prana in the body.Prana is taken in through the air we breathe,...
..and since the breathing exercises increase the amount of air we
take in, they also increase our intake of Prana.In Sanskrit Prana
means energy or vital force and yama means control. So, in English
this would translate into control of the vital breath. However,
there's much more to Pranayama than just control of the vital
force. Pranayama essentially involves three things: regulating the
breath, controlling the vital force and chanalizing the Pranas in
the right directions.The principle of in Yoga is that, order to
alter a situation we must make changes in the energy that governs
it. To bring about positive changes in body and mind we must
understand and work upon the energies through which they work. This
is done through a set of exercises that entail synchronized
breathing. In Yoga the right or solar nadi is considered masculine
or solar in nature. The left is feminine or lunar in nature. It is
Pitta or fire predominant and increases energy on the right side.
The left or the lunar nadi, is Kapha or water predominant, and
increases energy on the left side of the body. To maintain harmony
in our Pranic or Subtle body, we should have an equal number of
breaths from both nostrils. Since this is not always possible
through normal breathing, Pranayama helps chanelize them.It is also
for precisely this reason that Yoga also prescribes a sattvic diet,
rich in Prana i.e., foods full of the life-force and a mind rooted
in moral and ethical values like truth and non-violence. An impure
or toxic body and mind cannot remain healthy for long.But, before
we proceed further, there is something else we must understand. You
might have noticed the use of the word Pranas in the last line of
the first paragraph. Essentially, and little known to the general
public, the Prana consists of 5 different Pranas, viz Prana, Apana,
Samana, Vyana and Udana, each performing a different function.They
are all contained in a sheath called the Pranamaya Kosha consisting
of roughly 3,64,000 nadis or subtle nerve channels that are
connected to out other gross and subtle bodies and sheaths. Thus,
the one primary Prana is divided into five, basis their movement,
direction and function. Further, they can be classified as energies
and processes occurring on different levels in our
system.PranaLiterally meaning "air flowing forward", it governs the
flow of energy from the head down to the navel, the Pranic center
in the physical body. It is responsible for all types of inward
reception from inhalation to eating, drinking to reception of sense
perceptions and experiences. Propulsive in nature, it sets and
guides things in motion, thereby governing the basic energy that
sustains our lives.ApanaApana, means "regressing air" and, like the
name suggests, it moves downward and outward. It governs the
movement of energy from the navel down to the root chakra and is
responsible for all forms of systemic discharge, including carbon
dioxide in the breath, stools, urine, semen, menstrual fluids and
the fetus. On a deeper level it forms the basis of our immune
system and governs the expulsion of all negative sensory, mental
and emotional experiences.SamanaMeaning "balanced air", Samana
flows from the perimeter to the center, in a judicious churning
movement. It chanalizes the flow of energy from the entire body
back to the navel. Primarily, though, it governs the
gastrointestinal tract, i.e. it facilitates digestion of food and
absorption of oxygen in the lungs. Mentally it serves to digest and
assimilate all sensory, mental and emotional inputs.VyanaVyana,
means "air flowing outward". Contrariwise Samana, this one governs
flow of energy from the navel throughout the body. Flowing from the
center to the periphery, it governs all circulatory functions and,
in the bargain, assists the task of all other Pranas. It regulates
the flow of oxygen, nutrition and water throughout the system, as
well as disseminates our thoughts and emotions.UdanaUdana, "upward
moving air," literally moves upwards. It governs energy movement up
from the navel to the head. Naturally, it is responsible for
growth, aids and abets all bodily effort, enthusiasm and will,
including the ability to stand and speak. Our main positive energy
in life, it facilitates development of our different bodies as well
as in evolving consciousness.In summation, Prana governs the intake
of all forms of nutrients, Samana regulates their digestion, Vyana
sees to their circulation, Udana administers the release of
positive energy and Apana, the elimination of waste matter from the
system. Pretty much like operations of an organization, Prana
fetches the fuel, Samana transforms it into energy, Vyana
distributes it to the various departments and Apana discharges the
waste matter produced in the process. Finally, Udana decides how
the positive energy generated is to be used.The secret of good
health lies in balance and harmony. Since all the Pranas are
interlinked, if even one becomes unstable, the others are
susceptible to similar imbalance. Result, the working of the entire
machine goes out of gear. This gets translated into mental and
physical afflictions and indispositions.The Art of
PranayamaPranayama is both the science and art of purifying the
nadis in the Pranamaya Kosha. Through regulated breathing i.e.
altering the rhythm of inhalation and exhalation, it is possible to
control the prana, vital force in the body. Pranayama is the
process by which such conscious control is achieved through
synchronized breathing. Purifying the channels along which the life
stream of 'prana' flows, helps prevent and even cure a variety of
physical and mental ailments. In the process, it also increases
one's overall immunity and resistance to disease.The best position
to be assumed for these practices is sukhasana or the easy pose it
also happens to be the most comfortable. The critical thing to bear
in mind, however, is posture. The back, neck and head should be
kept erect, i.e. in a straight line. And yet, the body should not
be stiff. It should be in its natural relaxed condition. You can
prepare for this by practicing shavasan, the corpse pose, for a few
minutes. To prepare for pranayama it is first better to breathe
relaxed in the abovementioned ratio. Do this a few rounds, for a
few days. The next step is to learn the knack of full yogic
breathing. This is also called Dirga Pranayama the three part
breath. Known as the "complete" or "three-part" breath, Dirga
Pranayama teaches you how to fill the three regions of the body
with Oxygen. The first is the belly (on top of or just below the
navel), The second is the chest (the thorax or rib cage), and The
third is the clavicular region (or upper chest, near the
sternum)Technique1. Sit in sukhasana or any other comfortable
position with back, spine, and neck erect. Alternately you may even
lie down on your back. Start by taking slow, long, and deep nasal
breaths2. As you inhale, let your abdomen fill with air. As you
exhale, let your belly deflate like a balloon. Repeat the exercise
a few times, keeping your breath smooth and relaxed. Never strain3.
Breathe into your belly as in Step 2, but also inflate your
thoracic region by letting your rib cage open up. Exhale and repeat
the exercise a few times4. Follow steps 2 and 3 and continue
inhaling by opening the clavicle region or upper chest. Exhale and
repeat the exercise a few times5. Combine all three steps into one
continuous or complete flowOnce you have got a good feel for this
style of breathing, start practicing without the aid of your hands.
Finally, relax and breathe in the three positions quietly feeling
the waves of breath move in and out, up and down the
body.Benefits:The practice of Dirga Pranayama inculcates correct
diaphragmatic breathing, relaxes the mind and body, optimally
oxygenates the blood and cleanses the lungs of residual toxins.For
all Pranayama the right fingers and thumb should be used to control
the right and left nostrils, unless one is otherwise naturally
left-handed. A ratio of two to one is generally maintained, that
is, the inhalation time should be half that of exhalation. For
example, if inhalation takes 5 seconds, exhalation should take 10
seconds. Breathing should be slow and steady, in and out of the
nose, unless otherwise advised.Please Note: Not all Pranamayas can
or should be mastered in a day or week or month. The process may
and should take a few months. Even after that, it is not necessary
to do all 8 Pranamayas daily. The daily mandatory Pranamayas are
Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma. The rest may be done at one's own
convenienceThe 8 Pranamayas are:1. Kapalabhati2. Anuloma Viloma3.
Ujjayi4. Bhastrika5. Shitali6. Sitkari7. Suryabhedana8.
BhramariTake into consideration your own time and convenience but
see that all 8 Pranayamas are covered in a week. The same goes for
asanas.But remember, even though Kapalabhati is not a Pranayama,
yet it is a vital part of the program. As the name suggests, it is
a cleansing technique in preparation for Pranayama and should be
done everyday, without fail. For complete, step by step details of
how it should be done, kindly refer our section - Cleansing
TechniquesFor optimum benefits, yoga practices should be coupled
with a balanced diet, Naturopathy, Ayurveda and Aromatherapy.What
are the benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing?Alternate nostril
breathing or Nadi Shodhana is a technique of breathing in which the
individual breathes in and out through one nostril and then goes on
to the next. Alternate nostril breathing helps in directing the
flow of prana or the life force of the body through the entire
body. Alternate nostril breathing benefits by bringing about a
state of deep relaxation, clearing the mind, and calming the body.
This breathing technique also helps in balancing the right and left
hemispheres of the brain. You can enhance the benefits of yoga by
practicing alternate nostril breathing after the Surya Namaskar
(Sun Salutation) sequence.What is One Nostril Breathing aka
Alternate Nostril Pranayama ?The one nostril breathing pranayama is
a breathing exercise that helps in stimulating memory. The simple
technique of left nostril breathing helps in improving spatial
memory. This type of memory enables you to remember effectively
where you have placed your things. To practice this breathing
exercise you should close your right nostril and breathe slowly and
deeply through your left. Continuing this exercise regularly will
slow down the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and
increased heart rate. Another breathing exercise you could try is
alternate nostril breathing, which is considered to be a very
effective stress reliever. It is also essential that you maintain a
proper diet to maximize the benefits.What is teeth hissing? -
Sitkari | Teeth Hissing ExerciseTeeth hissing or Sitkari refers to
the sound that is made when air is drawn in through the front teeth
either slightly opened or tightly closed, with the tip of the
tongue regulating the pressure of air and sound. This technique
refers only to breathing in, while exhalations take place normally
through both the nostrils. Properly practicing the teeth hissing
exercise one can help reduce the effects of thirst, hunger as well
as laziness and sleepiness. The teeth hissing exercise is also
considered to be effective in preventing the increase of bile in
the body, and it also helps improve physical and mental
performance.What Are The Advantages And Techniques of Abdominal
Breathing | ChildrenWhen the diaphragm gets weak, individuals with
lung diseases develop a pattern of breathing that makes use of
accessory muscles like the rib, shoulder, and neck muscles to
breathe. Diaphragmatic breathing is a breathing technique that
helps in correcting this habit by making the abdominal muscles and
diaphragm strong. The advantage of this abdominal breathing
technique is that more air will go in and out of the lungs without
the chest muscles getting tired. Abdominal breathing in children
tends to come naturally, but as we grow, with the tensions and
pressures of everyday life, we start to breathe from the chest.
Therefore, make sure to check you breathing technique and bring
about the necessary changes for better health.What Are The Benefits
of Pranayama And Bumblebee Exercises?Bumblebee yoga is a breathing
practice in which the lips are to be kept shut and one needs to
smoothly and gently make the sound of a humming bee in the throat.
This pranayama exercise is considered to be very effective in
making the breath smooth and the mind quiet. Some of the other
benefits of the bumblebee exercise are the reducing of migraine
headaches, bringing better concentration in the mind, and getting
rid of mental agitation. Advanced practitioners can get into deep
meditative states with this exercise. This exercise also helps in
inducing sleep, stability, and relaxation. However, make sure to
practice this breathing exercise under the guidance of a qualified
instructor.To perform the bumblebee breath asana you should
practice Tadasana with your spine straight and tall. Take a deep
and slow breath through your nose and exhale making the sound
hummmm as long as you can. Then, do it again with your eyes closed,
concentrating on the sound. Then, try it again with your eyes
closed and your hands blocking your ears. Practicing the bumblebee
breath meditation can help soothe anxiety and bring calmness to the
mind. It also helps with concentration and memory. Pranayama and
pratyahara comes in to enable a transition from the asanas to
meditation. Pranayama helps us control vital energies and
pratyahara helps us master unruly senses.Relaxation Techniques at
OfficeYoga at office is a great relaxation technique for people
with packed schedules and those who sit in front of the computer
for long hours. Extended desk jobs put a strain on the shoulder,
neck, and back muscles, resulting in back pain and stress. Yoga
provides an excellent stretch to the muscles and improves
flexibility. Incorporating yoga into the daily office routine can
be extremely beneficial in releasing stress, increasing muscle
strength, improving work output, and preventing injuries. Yoga
Relaxation Techniques for WorkplaceSome easy yoga exercises that
can be performed at the work desk at any time of the day are
described below. Neck Rolls1. Close the eyes. 2. Drop the chin down
towards the chest and move the neck slowly in circular motion, from
the right ear to the right shoulder, tilting the head backwards and
turning from the left ear to the left shoulder. 3. Perform the
routine 4 to 5 times and repeat in the other direction. Cat-Cow
Stretch1. Place both feet firm on the ground. 2. Put the hands on
the knees. 3. Inhale, stretch backward and look towards the
ceiling. 4. Exhale, stretch forward and drop the head. 5. Repeat
the exercise 4 to 5 times. Seated Forward Bend1. Move the chair
away from the desk. 2. Place the feet firm on the ground. 3. Lock
the fingers behind the back and straighten the arms. 4. Bend at the
waist and bring the locked fingers on top of the back. 5. Bring the
chest near the thighs and relax the neck. Seated Spinal Twist1.
Turn to the side in the chair. 2. Place the feet firm on the floor.
3. Grip the chair with hands and twist towards the right. 4. Turn
to the other side and repeat. Eagle Arms1. Extend the arms in front
of the body with palms facing upwards. 2. Place the right arm over
the left and close the palms together. 3. Lift the elbows while
moving the shoulders down the back. 4. Perform the same routine
with the left arm. Temple Rub1. Place the elbows on the desk. 2.
Bring the hands to the temples and slowly rub them in slow circular
motions. 3. Perform one clockwise motion and one anti-clockwise
motion. 4. Repeat the routine 10 to 15 times. Apart from these
relaxing office exercises, deep breathing and meditation can be
significantly useful in alleviating office stress and enhancing
concentration. Pranayama is a technique of breath control which can
be practiced easily during office hours. The regulated breathing in
Pranayama energizes the body cells and reduces stress. Meditation
is a state of calm awareness, which helps provide clarity. The
exercise can be performed at any time of the day for a few minutes.
What Exercises I Should Do In Office While Sitting On Chair?Our
lifestyle today is highly responsible for various aches and pains
that we undergo daily. Most people are prone to back pain and the
reasons for this could be many. One of the major causes for back
pain is sitting in an incorrect posture. Lack of movement of the
spine is another cause for back pain. There are a number of Yoga
chair exercises that can be performed in the middle of the day to
help relieve any stress on the lumbar region of the body. The Chair
Cat asana is one of the most highly recommended yoga sitting
stretches and Yoga sitting workouts that will prove to be very
beneficial. Which Are The Best Standing Exercises At Workplace?Yoga
standing poses or asanas are one of the most important aspects of
Yoga exercises because they help you develop the universal
principles of alignment - which is central to performing all Yoga
poses. The mountain pose, for instance, is considered to be the
origin of all other Yoga poses. There are a number of other yoga
standing poses for beginners such as the triangle pose, the
revolved triangle pose and the crescent moon pose. Performing the
yoga standing poses and positions is important because of the fact
that they help increase flexibility and make you become
increasingly aware of your posture and helps invigorate your whole
body.How To Do Breathing Exercises In Office?Because of the fact
that we spend much of our day in an office, it is important to make
sure that our bodies still get the physical exertion that they
require. This is necessary in order to stay healthy so factors like
degeneration of bone and muscular density are staved off for as
long as possible when aging sets in. Performing an office pranayama
is a very beneficial method of keeping your body in check. This
practice also helps relieve a significant amount of stress - which
tends to build up regularly over the course of a normal work day.
There are a number of office deep breathing or office pilates
breathing techniques that you can get information for over sources
such as the internet.Which Is Best Posture To Sit On Chair In
Office?Most people today have a desk job and therefore tend to be
seated for most of the day. One should remember howeve that such
jobs have their own effects on the body; one of which is severe
back pain that arises from sitting in an incorrect posture. A hunch
back is another common problem and is one of the most prominent
aesthetic flaws of an individual that has one. Chair Yoga sequences
are an increasingly popular method of experiencing the benefits of
yoga while remaining seated in a chair. The primary basis of chair
yoga ideas is the fact that they are performed while being seated
in a chair - making the pelvis and hips stable enough to make
movement of the torso and arms that much easier.Alternate Nostril
Breathing - Anuloma VilomaAlternate Nostril Breathing Benefits One
of the simplest yoga exercises that can be done almost anytime and
at any place is the Nadi shodhana which is also known as alternate
nostril breathing. This form of yoga is known as alternate nostril
breathing.....because while performing this form of yoga the
individual is required to breathe alternatively from both the
nostrils. Many yoga experts believe that alternate nostril
breathing help in cleaning and rejuvenating the energy channels
which is why it is known as nadi shodhana or purification of the
channels or nadis. This is in fact one of the alternate nostril
breathing benefits as propagated by yoga gurus. During this form of
exercise the individual is required to breathe from only one
nostril at a time. The primary logic behind alternate nostril
breathing in a healthy person the breath will automatically
alternate from one nostril to another every two hours. However
since most people nowadays are not at their optimum health the time
period between the alternating of the nostrils tends to vary from
person to person and hence reduces the vitality of the individual.
Yoga gurus belief that if the breath tends to flow from just one
nostril for more than two hours then it has an adverse effect on
one's health wherein if the left nostril is involved it may result
in reduced brain function and chronic fatigue and if the right
nostril is involved it may result in nervous and mental
disturbance. Some of the alternate nostril breathing benefits are
that it tends to calm the nervous system and the mind. Additionally
it also helps in the optimum functioning of both sides of the brain
which results in a more balanced person. Similarly ujjayi breathing
is another form of yoga that is also frequently used in flow yoga,
power yoga or even vinyasa. This form of breathing helps one to
remain calm and take in sufficient amounts of oxygen as required by
the body Ujjayi breathing is also referred to as cobra breathing
sometimes. Another form of yoga that concentrates on ones breathing
is known as the breath of fire or the Agni Prasana which as
cleansing and energising breathing exercise that is powered by ones
abdominal contractions. In this form of yoga the air is pulled into
the body and then pumped out in a rhythmic manner without any
pressure being felt on the chest, abdominal muscles, shoulders and
rib cage that should ideally remain calm throughout the breathing
exercise. Thus while practicing this form of yoga one should be
able to maintain and continue the rhythm of breathing with little
or no effort at all. The breath of fire is practised by starting
with long and deep breathing and then as soon as one lungs have
expanded completely one should force the air out immediately and as
soon as most of the air is out one should once again expand the air
back in while arching the spine forward and also pressing the palms
inward against ones knees during this exercise.Alternate Nostril
Breathing is considered the most important of all Pranayamas help
purify and energize the system. Anuloma-Viloma is also called
Nadishuddhi pranayama, because this is not just a pranayama, but
also a purification procedure. Nadi means channel and refers to the
energy pathways through which prana flows. shuddhi means cleansing.
Hence Nadishuddhi means channel cleansing. Technique1. First assume
sukhasana or any other comfortable sitting position, rest your left
hand on your left knee. 2. Then take a few breaths in the ratio of
1:2. 3. Then, shut your right nostril with your right thumb. 4.
Exhale slowly through your left nostril. 5. Inhale slowly and
deeply through your left nostril, keeping your right nostril
closed. 6. Then, close your left nostril with the little finger and
ring finger of your right hand and exhale through your right
nostril. 7. Without stopping, inhale through your right nostril,
keeping your left nostril closed.8. Then exhale through your left
nostril, keeping your right nostril closed. 9. This comprises one
round of anuloma-viloma. 10. Repeat the process a few times.
Inhalation and exhalation should be done very slowly and
soundlessly. This pranayama calms the mind, soothes anxiety and
stress, balances left and right hemispheres, promotes clear
thinking. It soothes the nerves while strengthening the lungs. In
particular, it helps cure coughs and colds, in insomnia, chronic
headaches and asthma.Self-Healing Tips Using AcupressurePopping in
a Tylenol may be the easiest way to take care of a bad headache,
but there are many who are not great lovers of Allopathy, and
prefer using natural remedies to heal minor ailments. Acupressure
is one such natural therapy, which not only helps in curing minor
conditions, like migraines and headaches but also rejuvenates the
entire body.Here are some acupressure techniques through which you
can self-heal migraines and headaches at home without the
unnecessary use of allopathic medicines:Self-Heal Migraines and
Headaches with Acupressure Head Massage: Place your fingers on both
sides of the head, just above and behind the ears. Slowly and
lightly massage upwards in slow circular motions, very similar to
oiling or shampooing. When moving to a new position, lift the
fingers instead of dragging it. If you find a spot which feels
tender, stop, apply light pressure for a little while and then move
on.Neck Massage:Place your fingers behind the neck, at the base of
the skull and pull the muscle downwards towards the spine. Once you
do this hold and stay in this position for a minute. Similarly work
all the muscles, moving downwards. Work on the other side of the
neck in the same way. After working on both sides, spread the
fingers of one hand, and place it on the muscle, from the base of
your skull to the shoulder. Push it towards the spine, hold for a
minute and release. Repeat the same exercise on the other side
too.Base of the skull:Place hands behind the head, at the base of
your skull. Beginning at the middle, move the fingers out sideways
and feel for the indentations situated at the base of the skull.
Press these points and deep breathe for a couple of minutes,
guiding the pressure up towards the center of the head. Release
pressure slowly. Once done let your hands rest on the lap as you
gently close your eyes and breathe.The Temples: Apply pressure and
press the temple while you hold and then push the fingers to the
back of the head in a kneading motion. Continue to hold this
position for half a minute and then release.Warnings: Do not
practice Acupressure immediately after a meal, wait for at least an
hour. Make sure that your sessions do not exceed an hour of
practice Do not hold any point more than ten minutes Avoid working
on any single area for more than 15 minutes. In case the symptoms
persist contact a physician.Benefits of a Scalp MassageMassage
therapy is a vast field that offers a lot of benefits to your body.
It relieves stress and delivers a deep feeling of calmness to the
client. Undergoing a regular course of massage every week will
improve your mood immensely. In addition to this, massage will
improve the superficial circulation and the condition of your skin.
There are specific types of massage......that target different
parts of the body. One of the most popular of these is the scalp
massage. A scalp massage offers a number of benefits to the body
and mind. Let us take a look at some of them.A scalp massage
improves the condition of your hair; it will also prevent the
appearance of scabs. A regular scalp massage with oil nourishes the
scalp and promotes hair growth. Regular massage will also make your
hair healthier and easily manageable. Finally, a scalp massage will
relieve stress and tension from your head, neck, and shoulders.A
scalp massage is performed using different kinds of oils according
to the type of your hair. Olive oil is perfect for oily hair,
coconut oil is suitable for thin hair, and sesame oil is the best
choice for a dry scalp.The oil used for scalp massage should be
warm because this will help in opening the pores of your scalp and
induce a sense of calm. Warm your oil by using a water bath. Put
the oil in a glass bowl and put it in a larger bowl of hot water.
Adding few drops of essential oil to the base oil you are using
will integrate the benefits of aromatherapy with the benefits of
massage.Adding a few drops of lavender will relieve stress and
encourage a better night's sleep. Adding jasmine essential oil to
the base oil will reflect a refreshing feeling on your massage
session. If you are really keen to improve the condition of your
hair then you may want to complete your scalp massage with a yoga
session after that. Meditation will improve the inner condition of
your body as it affects your soul and mental condition while the
massage will directly affect the outer part of your body. Both
massage and yoga complete each other.Through yoga you will be able
to master the proper way of breathing. Better breathing provides
the body with a richer amount of oxygenated blood. This means that
your scalp will benefit from both actions simultaneously.Breathing
Exercises And Management For AsthmaticNormally, breathing occurs
when the diaphragm muscle moves downward creating a negative
pressure area that helps sucking the air in. After that the next
phase takes place when the diaphragm returns to its original place,
creating a positive pressure that forces the air outside the
lungs.This process is called inhalation and exhalation,
respectively. In cases of asthma, the patient tends to use a very
small portion of his (or her) lungs and this causes what is called
the shallow breath. In the shallow breath, the patient breathes
only from the thoracic part of the lung. The patient never fills
his lung completely, so in order to compensate for the oxygen
demand, he tends to breathe more quickly. The end result is that
the thoracic and costal muscles are exhausted and the patient is
left gasping for air during an asthma attack. The most common
asthma symptoms are gasping for air and rapid exhaustion. This
exhaustion occurs because the body tries to stop any extra
non-vital activity so as to conserve the little oxygen that it
receives. Learning how to cope with asthma and breathe in a proper
way is one of the most important methods in asthma control. In
cases of mild asthma, a proper breathing regimen is enough to
better the patient's condition. Yoga is the best method to teach
you how to breathe in a proper way, because the yoga itself depends
on five principals; breathing is one of these five principles and
it is called pranayama. The basic action in pranayama is to inhale
slowly from your mouth, fill your abdomen then count to 5, and at
the end exhale slowly from your nostrils. This action helps the
asthma patient to fill his lungs completely. This will help improve
the condition of asthmatics as the slow respiration will allow more
oxygen to reach the blood. It will also give the patient better
asthma management as it tells the patient how he or she can avoid
the asthma attack. In a case of mild asthma, breathing exercises
can be the best solution. The key factor is to prevent the shallow
breathing which exhausts the chest muscles, and get the body to
breathe slowly. A slow breath can help to develop better chest
muscles for improved breathing. Breathing exercises for asthma are
very easy to learn and help asthma patients live a life that is not
fraught with the perils of this dreaded ailment.Why You Need A Pair
Of Acupressure Sandals?Acupuncture and acupressure is a science
that has been practiced for hundreds of years by the Chinese. This
form of therapy works by restoring the life force that the Chinese
believe runs through all of us. According to the Chinese, the
rightful flow of this Qi or life force is responsible for our
well-being. Acupuncture works by stimulating through the use of
needles the various points (pressure points) of the body through
which the life force flows. Acupressure has the same principle as
well as end result as acupuncture; however, instead of using
needles, pressure is applied on the pressure points using the
hands, rollers, herbs, magnets, and even laser and electrical
stimulus.What are acupressure sandals?Acupressure sandals or
slippers are shoes in which the soles have raised portions that
help apply pressure to the instep, thus helping in relieving pain
and preventing foot-related problems. Usually, acupressure sandals
come with metal chains incorporated into the sides of the shoes.
From these chains, metal wires are used to make raised portions,
which act as acupressure points on the soles of the shoes.In some
cases, the acupressure shoes come with hollows or spaces in them,
helping the foot breathe easier. There are other acupressure shoes
that come with magnets instead of raised portions that act as
acupressure points.Other acupressure sandals even come with
thermally controlled plates that keep the feet warm, relieving
stressed muscles and aches and pains in the foot. You can even get
ones that come with electrical impulses, stimulating the pressure
points on the soles of the feet to help relieve pain.Benefits of
wearing acupressure sandalsBelow are some of the benefits of
wearing acupressure sandals. Relieves pain in the foot Helps
relieve arthritic pain in the knees and ankles Lowers stiffness in
the foot Increases blood circulation in the footIt is important to
understand that while acupressure in itself is an age old concept,
the concept of acupressure shoes is a fairly new one. For this
reason, there is no sufficient scientific proof to back up these
benefits. For this reason, acupressure should not take the place of
regular medical care, but may be a good option along with regular
medical help. That being said, most people who have used these
shoes find them really beneficial.If you are experiencing foot pain
or discomfort, check with your doctor on acupressure shoe options.
They will be able to help you choose the best option for
you.Controlling Qi with or without NeedlesAccording to Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Qi or life force that runs through our
bodies is the cause for our wellness. Any problems or obstructions
or imbalances in Qi, will therefore result in problems in health
and wellness. Both acupressure and acupuncture help relieve these
imbalances by working on the points of the body through which this
life force travels. These points are called meridians and are
commonly referred to as acupuncture or acu points. Rectifying
problems in the channel helps people lead more rejuvenated,
energetic, healthy, pain-free and stress-free lives.So, how does
acupressure differ from acupuncture?Acupuncture is an ancient form
of Chinese medicine, a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),
that involves the use of needles on these acupuncture points to
rectify imbalances or problems in the life force or Qi. These
needles are stimulated through the touch of an expert acupuncture
specialist either manually or through electrical
impulses.Acupressure too is a form of Chinese medicine, a part of
Chinese Manipulative Therapy (CMT), often used along with
acupuncture. However, acupressure differs from acupuncture in that
it does not use needles to rectify the imbalances. Instead this
form of acupuncture uses the pressure of the hands on the
acupressure points. Usually a practitioner will use rollers, a
brush, or simply use his/her hands to manipulate the Qi to flow
through the proper channels.Studies related to the two forms of
healingAccording to recent acupuncture research, acupuncture is
indeed effective against certain kinds of problems such as in the
control of pain experienced in headaches, migraines, neck pain,
osteoarthritis, and chronic back pain. It is also proven to be
effective in preventing nausea and managing vomiting. However, for
all other problems such as asthma, depression, epilepsy, and many
others, there is not sufficient proof that acupuncture does
work.Acupressure research too shows that acupressure is a great
stress buster and elevates energy levels. It helps relieve
musculoskeletal problems and helps in quicker healing, reduces
buildup of lactic acid in the muscles, improves circulation and
relieves pain. Research also proves that it helps increase mental
alertness, improves immunity, helps retain flexibility, and also
helps increase range of movement in injured limbs.ConclusionBoth
acupressure and acupuncture do a whole lot of good in helping to
relieve pain and stress. While there in not enough proof to show
that they do help in a number of disorders, it is perhaps only a
matter of time before there is sufficient proof to back up this age
old form of treatment. In the meantime, it is best to consult a
doctor before attempting either of these therapies. Additionally,
owing to the damage that can be caused by the needles in
acupuncture (if not done by an expert), acupressure is considered
the safer option.References
http://www.foothill.edu/health/acupressure.php
http://www.acupuncture.edu/laymans/laymans_acupuncture.htmlAromatherapy
Essential OilsThe use of scent for treatment is known as
aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses volatile plant oils that include
essential oils, for treating physical and psychological disorders
in the human body. These essential oils are very beneficial for the
human body. There are over 90 essential oils from which different
essential oil recipes are made and used for different
purposes.Essential oilsAn essential oil is a fluid distilled from
the leaves, stems, bark, roots, flowers, or other parts of a plant.
The oil is usually extracted by steam or water. An essential oil is
a highly concentrated, pure essence of the plant. The aroma and
composition of these essential oils offer many physical and
psychological benefits. Essential oils are inhaled or applied in a
diluted form on the skin.Aromatherapy carrier oils are used to
dilute the concentrated essential oils. Sweet almond oil, apricot
kernel oil, and grape seed oil are examples of the diluting agents
used. The diluted oils are then applied on the skin which absorbs
them to offer many therapeutic benefits. Inhaling the essential
oils is also known to be beneficial for the human body. The oil
molecules are absorbed by the blood after entering the lungs.
Aromatherapy oil recipes are made by mixing different essential
oils and diluting agents. These aromatherapy essential oil recipes
provide different benefits to the human body.Essential oils are
usually sold as blends of different oils. The advantage of buying
aromatherapy oil blends is that a person does not have to buy the
essential oils separately. However, the oil blend cannot be mixed
with the other essential oils, which is a disadvantage. The
essential oil blends are used to make attractive aromas. They are
also used for therapeutic purposes. Essential oils blended for
healing purposes are called essential oil synergy.Essential oils
are also helpful for other household purposes. These oils are used
for laundry cleaning. Some essential oils act as pesticide and are
used to keep insects away. People use citronella candles to get rid
of mosquitoes.Where pure essential oils are certainly beneficial to
the health, products with artificial ingredients are equally
harmful. Unfortunately, many such products which are available in
the market today are not pure essential oils. Such hazardous
chemicals should not be used. It would be a good idea to go through
the ingredients in order to ensure that the components of the oil
blend are exactly those that match your needs and wants.Related
Searches Scented Fragrance Oil - Scented fragrance oils combined
with distilled and natural essence of plant along with artificial
fragrance and perfumes, these generally used for their excelle
Lavender Essential Oil - Aromatheapy's Herbal Benefits of Herb Pack
for Skin Care - Lavender flower and chamomile flower are useful
flowers in aromatherapy. Lavender essential oil are also used in
many skin care products. organic essential oil : Organic Essential
Oils: Tea , Lavender, Almond Oil - Organic tea tree oil is used for
treating skin ailments such as dryness, spots, and
allergies.Organic lavender essential oil is used for making soaps.
Fennel Essential Oil: Beneficial For Treating Urinary Disorders -
Essential oil uses: Fennel oil is used for aromatherapy treatments
for strength and courage as well as for confidence to deal with
adversity. Ujjayi Pranayama - Ocean Breath TechniquesUjjayi
pranayama is also called victorious breath or ocean breath. This
pranayama stretches and warms the breath before it enters into the
lungs. This helps in generating a heat that is effective in getting
rid of the toxins in the body. Both the inhalations and exhalations
are performed through the nose. The breath is directed to the back
of the throat while the muscles are......constricted, causing a
hissing sound like the sound of an ocean. As the passage of the
throat is made narrower the air speed is increased.Ujjayi Pranayama
TechniquesTo perform the ujjayi pranayama you should be in a
comfortable sitting or lying position. You should make sure that
you are breathing in and out through your nose while keeping your
mouth closed. Your inhalations and exhalations should be long and
deep. You should also constrict the muscles of your throat so that
the air passage becomes narrower making the breath thin and long.
You could begin practicing ujjayi pranayama for around three
minutes, and slowly go up to ten minutes. The time duration of your
inhalations and exhalations should be the same. As and when you
find your mind wandering, gently bring it back to the
breathing.Ujjayi pranayama helps in bringing calmness to the body
and mind. As the focus is on the breathing during the practice,
concentration also improves. Ujjayi pranayama also offers benefits
in stimulating the metabolic rate and increasing the blood
circulation through the body. It also enables the lungs to absorb
more oxygen. Bhastrika pranayama (bellows breath) is performed with
breathing that is deep and rapid. This main focus in bhastrika
pranayama is the expulsion of air. Expulsions are performed in a
series with one following the other continually. Beginners should
stick to a limit of five expulsions. However, you should take care
when performing expulsions that are powerful as they can damage the
lung tissues. Practicing bhastrika pranayama helps in balancing the
three doshas and bringing calmness to the mind.Nadi shodhana
pranayama also called alternate nostril breathing is performed by
alternating the breathing between the two nostrils. The principle
is that the balance between the breaths going in through each
nostril keeps changing. When one nostril is involved more than the
other health can be affected. If the right nostril is used more it
will cause nervous and mental disturbance. When the left nostril is
involved more it can cause fatigue and reduced functioning of the
brain. Practicing this pranayama balances both the hemispheres of
the brain and calms the mind. To enhance the benefits of the
various pranayamas it is essential that you follow a yogic diet
that will complement the breathing exercises to give you a healthy
body and mind.Ujjayi Pranayama *(divided as Ut + Jayi) is also
referred to as Ocean Sounding or Victorious breath. In kids classes
it is also - rather irreverentially called Darth Vader breath. The
practitioner makes a soft hissing sound or a gentle snore that is
one of the most important breathing techniques in Yoga.In this type
of Pranayama, while inhaling, due to the friction of air in the
throat, a typical sound is created, one that is different from the
sound produced by the larynx Hence, the name Ujjayi
Pranayama.Techniques of Ujjayi Pranayama Start by inhaling - long,
slow, deep breaths through both your nostrils. Your breath should
be gentle and relaxed as you slightly contract the back of your
throat. You then make a steady hissing sound as you inhale the
sound generated should be low and pleasing to the ear. There should
be no fluctuations in the sound. Also, it should emerge from the
upper part of your throat and not from the upper or front part of
your nose Because of the resistance of air in your throat, you will
find this sound automatically being created. Stretch your inhale
and the exhale as much as you can without generating tension
anywhere in your body, and let the sound of the breath be smooth
and unbroken.Benefits of Ujjayi PranayamaThe practice of Ujjayi
Pranayama raises body heat, the sound vibrations calm and focus the
mind, letting you relax more. Ujjayi can also be used to lower
blood pressure and slow heart rate. Alternatively, it can also be
used to raise the blood pressure and heart rate. This, again,
depends on whether you are practising the Ashtanga style of
forceful Ujjayi or the meditative style of slow and soft Ujjayi.
Ujjayi can also be effectively used for pain reduction, insomnia,
and migraines.However, the most remarkable benefit Ujjayi Pranayama
has to offer is that it performs internal purification, activation
and energizing along with outer control and conditioning all at
once. Ujjayi Pranayama cures heat in the head as well as and lung
diseases like asthma, tuberculosis.It also improves digestive
capacity and enhances functioning of the respiratory systems.Ujjayi
is most effective for asthmatics as it corrects and strengthens the
condition of the lungs and bronchiole linings.Points to remember
when doing Ujjayi Pranayama1. See that the air touches your
throat.2. After practising it for few days, know your limits, keep
your breathing ratio to inhalation and exhalation 1:2.Running Tips
For BeginnersRunning and jogging are found to have innumerable
health benefits. Running is beneficial in reducing one's stress
levels, in fighting off various diseases and improving one's
overall health and well being. Many doctors prescribe running or
jogging for persons suffering from hypertension, breast cancer, and
early stages of osteoporosis and even to reduce the risk of a
stroke.Jogging or running is also beneficial for those trying to
lose weight. Some may find it tedious, painful and tiring but the
results are great. However there are various factors that one needs
to make note off with regards to running or jogging. One of the key
running tips for beginners as well as the key jogging tips for
beginners includes the fact that it is never too late for a person
to start. No matter what one's age is, if the medical practitioner
says it is okay, jogging or running is a great way to stay fit and
healthy. Studies have even indicated that running or jogging
regularly will decrease a person's chances of getting any heart
disease or cancer. Jogging or running will leave one feeling more
energized, rested and will ensure better sleep. These are also some
of the great ways for obese people to lose weight or for one to
tone their leg muscles and back muscles. Some of the weight loss
tips beginners are given is to start off jogging or running slowly.
One should always start of with some gentle stretching and warm up
exercises. If running or jogging for the