CHILLASANA YOGA
Ocean-sounding victory breath (ujjayi) is a staple breathing exercise (pranayama) in yoga. Ujjayi can be practiced in a comfortable seated position, lying down or throughout a yoga asana sequence. Ujjayi both calms and energizes the body to create a state of mental alertness. The sound made while practicing ujjayi is similar to ocean waves which makes it easy for you to mentally transport yourself to the beach anytime and experience the calm it produces.
Yogic 3-Part Breath (dirga pranayama) creates a state of mental alertness while calming the body & mind. Dirga pranayama helps you learn how to breathe deeply. Extend the length of the exhalation to enhance the calming effect. Practice this breath lying down, sitting, standing, walking down the street, driving a car: any time or place whenever you need to practice a little chillasana.
Many people shy away from yoga because they think it involves twisting their bodies into challenging yoga poses (asanas). Yoga asana is only 1 of 8 branches yoga tree. Yoga breathing (pranayama) is another branch of yoga that does not require rolling out a yoga mat. Research shows mindful breathing is one of the most effective ways to lower stress, improve physical and mental health from mood to metabolism.
Breath of Joy is an energizing yoga breathing exercise (pranayama) and kriya (cleansing practice) that calms and focuses the mind. Breath of Joy helps: manage symptoms of depression; counter shallow upper-chest breathing; energize the body and release tension .
Left Nostril Breathing (chandra bheda) is a yoga breathing practice (pranayama) in yoga thought to activate the parasympathetic nervous system to calm the mind & produce a relaxation response.
Breath of Fire (kapalabhati) is an energizing yoga breathing exercise & kriya (purifying action) which cleanses not only the nasal passages but the entire respiratory system by dispelling excess carbon dioxide to allow the body receive more oxygen. Kapalabhati wakes up dormant prana (lifeforce) if you are feeling depressed.
Alternate Nostril Breathing (nadi sodhana) is a breathing exercise (pranayama) that calms & balances the mind. Nadi sodhana is often practiced prior to meditation & yoga asana practice to allow both nostrils to be free & clear.
Bellows Breath is an energizing breathing exercise (pranayama) thought to increase mental activity producing an alert & calm state; increase the flow of blood & prana (life force) throughout the body; increase digestive power; boost metabolism; improve reaction time; reduce basal heart rate and release oxytocin.
Right nostril vitality breath (surya bhedana) is a breathing practice (pranayama) in yoga that produces an energizing affect. Practice whenever you need a boost in mood.
Bee Breath (brahmari) is a breathing exercise (pranayama) that calms & balances the mind. Bee breath uses sound and mudras to help withdraw the senses (pratyahara) to interrupt the negative or racing thoughts that often accompanies anxiety, depression & PTSD and keep you rooted in the present moment.