how to pranayama (1)

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What is Pranayama?
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• Pranayama is the practice of yogic breathing.
  Some translate it as energy regulation, and
  other masters refer to it as breath control.
• In yoga, breath is the core of our existence. The
  concept of prana is taught in yogic tradition as
  the life force, and pranayama is the first
  practice that all yogis must master.
• Breathing techniques have their own specific
  blueprint with different physical, emotional and
  meditation for overthinking spiritual benefits.

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Here are 7 types of Pranayama for beginners to
practice
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• 1. Natural Breath
• The natural breath is, for the most part,
  effortless. This is the breath you take when you
  arent trying to breathe or change anything. Your
  natural breath gives you clues into your mental,
  emotional and physical states of being. For a few
  moments, close your eyes and mindfully observe
  the nature of your natural breath, without trying
  to breath at all.

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• 2. Dirgha Pranayama
• Dirgha pranayama is the complete yogic breath,
  also called three-part breath. It utilizes the
  three major parts of the lungs to breathe deeply
  and fully. When our bodies are infused with
  oxygen, our cells function more efficiently and
  we are able to heal faster. Dirgha pranayama
  stimulates the sacral, solar plexus, heart and
  throat chakras.

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• 3. Ujjayi Pranayama
• Ujjayi creates a peaceful sound, much like what
  you would hear if you were to put a seashell up
  to your ear. Its almost as if you are echoing
  the ocean through your breath. This sound calms
  the mind and increases concentration. It is a
  great tool to use in any type of meditation.

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• 4. Kapalabhati
• Kapalabhati is great for toning the abdomen and
  clearing out the sinuses. It also stimulates the
  chakras of the face and third eye.
• Begin in a seated position. Take a few clearing
  breaths to center yourself. Place one hand on
  your solar plexus over the upper abdomen. Deeply
  inhale through the nostrils and expand the belly
  into your hand.

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• 5. Alternate Nostril Kapalabhati
• Any alternate nostril breathing creates a balance
  and connection between the right and left sides
  of the brain. By performing this pranayama
  quickly, alternate nostril kapalabhati cleanses
  the nasal passages and clears the lungs.

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Inhale deeply again without stretching the face,
and exhale while sticking your tongue out and
stretching the face again. Perform lions breath
for 5 rounds then pause and notice how you
feel. 5-10 rounds, or 1 minute, of simha
pranayama is great for any type of meditation or
before asana practice. Any of these pranayama
exercises are suitable for beginners and advanced
online yoga session practitioners alike. It is
important to notice how you feel before, during,
and after a breathwork session take inventory of
your mind, body, emotions, and spiritual
intuition. Connecting to your prana can be a
truly eye-opening and intimate experience.