Importance of Proper Breathing in Yoga and Day 21 of Surya Namaskar
>> Thursday, December 10, 2009 –
Experiments,
Surya Namaskar
Today was the 21st day of my 30 day Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) practice. Which means that I am on to my last 10 days of my practice. Now I am only doing two batches with the first one of 14 sets and the second batch of 7 sets. I think I am now ready to shift the practice to even higher intensity and finish all in a single set and I plan to try that tomorrow. Earlier I planned to gradually increase the sets in the first batch but today when I finished 14 sets I did not feel any lack of stamina and I feel I could have continued for few more sets. I am writing this post after few hours of the practice and feel no tiredness. This means that the legs and the arms are strong enough after 20 days of practice and I can try to push myself for continuous 21 sets.
Since I increased number of sets I am doing together I have slowed down a bit, but plan to pick up pace again in a few days. My plan is also to finish the 21 sets with in as much less time as possible while taking care that my breathing is proper.
Importance of Proper Breathing in Yoga Practice
In Surya Namaskar, proper breathing is very important. In all the twelve sequences while moving into them it is important to understand that the transition should be done either with inhalation or with exhalation. Also remember that you should breathe with the movement and not before or after the movement. Also inhale and exhale slowly so that it lasts from beginning to end of the movement. For example while moving from the Pranam Asana to Hast Utthanasana (Raised Hands Pose) start inhaling when you start and when you reach the final position the inhalation should be complete. Similarly, start exhalation in the the Hast Uttanasana when moving to Hast Padasana (Hands to feet pose) and make sure that the exhalation in complete when you reach the final javascript:void(0)position. As a general rule remember that while moving forward you will exhale and while moving back you will inhale. Also you breathing will be opposite to what you do when you move into the pose.
Some books will say that you should not breathe in the final position, and that needs to be done when you stay in the pose for a few seconds. When you stay longer in a pose, you should do normal breathing while in the pose. While in pose for some time your breathing is very fast. Try to slow it down, by your breathe and also notice which organ in your body is causing it to become faster.
When you do this properly and with awareness that entire body is being oxygenated, you will experience that the tiredness is comparatively very less. When you breathe in this manner, capacity of your lungs will also increase which will increase the stamina. Longer breathing also helps in keeping the heart rate in control, and keeps the mind calm, whereas shorter breathing increases the disturbance of mind.
The muscles which are being used during the pose will get more oxygen and therefore less toxins will be accumulated which will prevent the pain in the muscles. Proper breathing will also allow you to practice for a longer time without feeling tired and therefore provide more benefit. With practice of longer breathing you will see that Pranayama (Yogic Breathing Technique) come easily to you as your lungs are ready for the stress.
Once you practice the poses with proper breathing you will notice that it is not that difficult while the benefits are many. Start observing your breathing pattern and make sure that you make the right adjustments so that you can reap all the benefits which your practice should provide you.
Related Posts
Day 15 of 30 Day Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) Practice
Surya Namaskar
Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Hands Pose) - Improve Back and Shoulder Strength
Since I increased number of sets I am doing together I have slowed down a bit, but plan to pick up pace again in a few days. My plan is also to finish the 21 sets with in as much less time as possible while taking care that my breathing is proper.
Importance of Proper Breathing in Yoga Practice
In Surya Namaskar, proper breathing is very important. In all the twelve sequences while moving into them it is important to understand that the transition should be done either with inhalation or with exhalation. Also remember that you should breathe with the movement and not before or after the movement. Also inhale and exhale slowly so that it lasts from beginning to end of the movement. For example while moving from the Pranam Asana to Hast Utthanasana (Raised Hands Pose) start inhaling when you start and when you reach the final position the inhalation should be complete. Similarly, start exhalation in the the Hast Uttanasana when moving to Hast Padasana (Hands to feet pose) and make sure that the exhalation in complete when you reach the final javascript:void(0)position. As a general rule remember that while moving forward you will exhale and while moving back you will inhale. Also you breathing will be opposite to what you do when you move into the pose.
Some books will say that you should not breathe in the final position, and that needs to be done when you stay in the pose for a few seconds. When you stay longer in a pose, you should do normal breathing while in the pose. While in pose for some time your breathing is very fast. Try to slow it down, by your breathe and also notice which organ in your body is causing it to become faster.
When you do this properly and with awareness that entire body is being oxygenated, you will experience that the tiredness is comparatively very less. When you breathe in this manner, capacity of your lungs will also increase which will increase the stamina. Longer breathing also helps in keeping the heart rate in control, and keeps the mind calm, whereas shorter breathing increases the disturbance of mind.
The muscles which are being used during the pose will get more oxygen and therefore less toxins will be accumulated which will prevent the pain in the muscles. Proper breathing will also allow you to practice for a longer time without feeling tired and therefore provide more benefit. With practice of longer breathing you will see that Pranayama (Yogic Breathing Technique) come easily to you as your lungs are ready for the stress.
Once you practice the poses with proper breathing you will notice that it is not that difficult while the benefits are many. Start observing your breathing pattern and make sure that you make the right adjustments so that you can reap all the benefits which your practice should provide you.
Related Posts
Day 15 of 30 Day Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) Practice
Surya Namaskar
Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Hands Pose) - Improve Back and Shoulder Strength
