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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".
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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