Pranayama is a primary component of hatha yoga. "Pran" means "life force" and "yama" means "proper way." Most human beings never use more than 40% of their lung capacity and have minimal understanding of the breath. Pranayama breathing celebrates the marriage of heart and lungs that connects the body to the brain. It incorporates the body and mind into the process of breathing and strives for maximum benefit. Learn to breathe correctly for optimum health.
Instructions
1. Stand in front of a mirror, feet together and pointing at the mirror. With palms together, interlace your fingers.
2. Place your knuckles firmly under your chin and maintain the contact throughout the exercise. Keep your elbows close together and wrists straight.
3. Inhale deeply through the nose with mouth closed for a slow, steady count of six, filling the lungs from the bottom up. Raise your elbows and try to touch the forearms to your ears during inhalation.
4. Open your mouth slightly and exhale through it for a count of six. At the same time, drop your head back as far as possible. Bring your arms, wrists and elbows forward to rest in front of the chest.
5. Move to the next inhalation. arms and head slowly with the next six-count inhalation until the chin is parallel to the floor and the elbows stretch upward.
6. Repeat for ten cycles. Lower to your sides when you have finished. Rest for a count of ten.
Tags: your arms, Raise your, your elbows