13
Sep
2020
Lengthen your exhale
/
Comments1
Sutra 1.34 states that “the mind obtains serenity through prolonged exhalation and suspension of breath”. Physiologically, extending one’s exhalation facilitates parasympathetic activation (“rest-and-digest mode), improves body’s CO2 tolerance, breathing efficiency and tissue oxygenation. It also helps to calm the mind.
There are three main stages you can go through to lengthen your exhalation: restricting the air flow in your throat, progressive abdominal contraction and intentional lifting of the diaphragm. The short yoga practice below takes you through those stages to help your gradually lengthen your exhalation and practice control over your respiratory musculature.
Dear Olga,
I hope that you and your family are doing good despite what is happening in Oregon.
Thank you so much for this video! I use this breathing technique to improve holding my balance, particularly for Warrior 3.
We are still in lock-down where I live in Melbourne and I find it harder to cope with this situation now. So I was wondering if I could use some pranayama technique to re-balance my state of mind as well.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Best regards.
Nathalie