Intro to Pranayama
Many people say to me “I can’t do Yoga”. This ridiculous statement is often followed up with something like, “I’m not flexible enough, I’m injured, I have chronic pain”… the excuses go on (and ironically enough this is exactly why they would benefit from practicing). I always came back with one simple, three word question, “Can you breathe?” When they of course answer “yes” I reassure them that if they can breathe then they can in fact practice Yoga.
A very important part of Yoga is learning to control the Prana (life force energy) in our bodies with different breathing techniques. This is called Pranayama. Pranayama is a powerful and ancient practice that helps to calm and center the mind while releasing tension from the body. I consider it a prerequisite to meditation because for many people it is more accessible. Pranayama can be done on it’s own or before, during, or after asana practice (yoga poses). There are many different Pranayama techniques used to achieve different goals, such as reducing stress, cultivating heat, relaxing the mind, helping you sleep, relaxing the nervous system, strengthening the respiratory system and boosting the immune system, just to name a few.
I guarantee there is one out there that would be extremely beneficial for you. Go ahead and try me! Simply Google something unpleasant you are currently experiencing; anxiety, constipation, dizziness, mental fog… and put the word Pranayama after it and see what you get!
Feel free to also join me in today's Yoga Mini for an Intro to Pranayama. Let’s practice some basic techniques together. I hope you find it helpful and choose to start using these beneficial techniques throughout your days.
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