Pranayama – The practice of controlling the breath
One of the goals of pranayama is to strengthen the connection between your body and mind. However, research shows us that there are extraordinary physiological benefits from this ancient yogic practice.
Some of these benefits include:
1. Helps improve hypertension and cardiovascular health – Certain pranayama techniques can help relieve hypertension symptoms by normalising heart rate and high blood pressure
2. Improves digestion – A consistent practice of Yogic breathing technique is helpful in the management of chronic digestive disorders
3. Boosts the immune system – Deep breathing exercises which focus on the abdomen with breath retention or kumbhaka, improves the defence mechanism of the body and boosts your immunity
4. Can aid with healthy eating habits and weight loss – Pranayama can help reduce cravings. When you modify the technique of breathing and focus on certain parts of the body, energy is released along with increased sweating. This process burns calories as well as fat.
5. Strengthens the respiratory system – With regular practice of Pranayama, inflation, and deflation of lungs reach to the fullest and start working at the maximum extent possible. Pranayama also brings positive changes in the respiratory pressure and cycle.
At the end of the Monday ‘Slow, Deep Stretch’ class we will spend up to 10 mins exploring different pranayama practices.
Some of these practices include:
Sukha Pranayama (Easy): This pranayama involves conscious, slow, and deep breathing with equal duration for inhalation and exhalation e.g., 5:5 ratio.
Bhramari Pranayama (Bumble Bee Breath): This pranayama involves slightly blocking the ears, eyes and nose and extending the exhale by humming.
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This pranayama involves the practice of blocking one nostril whilst inhaling through the other, blocking the other nostril, to then exhale from the other.
Please note that all of these breathing practices are calming to the nervous system – we will avoid stimulating pranayama techniques such as Bhastrika (Breath of Fire)
All Welcome. Book in Here
