Join me on the South side of Maui, for a pranayama practice called Nadi Shodhana or sun moon breath. This alternate nostril breathing helps to balance the flow of energy through the pingala (sun channel) and ida (moon channel).
These channels wind up the susmna nadi (central energy channel) like a double helix. They cross behind the third eye and come out the nostrils. The Sun channel carries masculine energy or thought. The moon channel carries feminine energy or emotion.
Sun moon breath is a quieting breath that is very subtle and slow. There should be no sound to the breath.
Breathe as if you were sitting in front of a candle flame. This is a cooling, calming and balancing breath usually practiced before meditation, savasana or before bed.
Join me on the South side of Maui, for a three part breath pranyama (breathwork) also called belly breathing. This breath helps us explore the full spectrum of our breath potential. The 3 part natural breath is the foundation for developing other pranayama techniques.
This breathing exercise will help you to deepen your breath, calm your nervous system and steady the mind.
Join me on the South side of Maui, as we practice a pranayama called Breath of Fire sometimes called kapalabhati (skull-shining) because it purifies the mind of cloudy or negative thinking.
Breath of Fire is a cleansing energizing breath powered by abdominal contractions. This breath can be used before meditation or asana (poses) to stimulate awareness and focus. It also deepens the breath by activating the diaphragm.
Breath of fire is a series of short sharp exhales out the nose by pulling the low belly back sharply. Inhales come naturally.
Start by taking a natural round of breath in and out, then breathe in about 75% full, exhale out the nose and draw the navel towards the spine to create a pumping motion. Focus on the exhales, the inhales are natural and passive,
Continue for about 10 to 20 abdominal contractions and then exhale completely. Take a natural round of breath in and out between rounds.
After 3 rounds of Kapalabhati continue to breathe naturally and observe any inner sensations as you drop into meditation. You might feel a little light headed or a buzz from all that breath, so take your time before standing up.
