Beginning students often ask for instructions on the right way to breathe. Alas, theres no single answer to that question, since the optimal breathing pattern at any given moment depends on the type of practice. Restorative yoga focuses solely on relaxation, though, and emphasizes breathing that creates calm and serene states of being. When you settle into restorative poses, try the following techniques for cultivating breathing patterns that are hallmarks of relaxation and well-being.
See also A Beginners Guide to Pranayama
Move the Belly With the Breath
When we are at ease, the diaphragm is the primary engine of the breath. As we inhale, this domelike muscle descends toward the abdomen, displacing the abdominal muscles and gently swelling the belly. As we exhale, the diaphragm releases back toward the heart, enabling the belly to release toward the spine.
Keep the Upper Body Quiet
During high-stress times, its common to heave the upper chest and grip the muscles in the shoulders and throat. When were at rest, the muscles of the upper chest remain soft and relaxed as we breathe, and the real work occurs in the lower rib cage. To promote this type of breathing pattern, consciously relax the jaw, throat, neck, and shoulders, and envision the breath sweeping into the deepest parts of the lungs as you breathe in and out.
Breathe Easy
Although some breaths may be deeper or faster than others, when were relaxed, the alternating rhythm of the inhalations and exhalations feels like a lullabysmooth, soft, and uninterrupted by jerks and jags. Consciously relaxing into this wavelike, oceanic quality of the breath deepens our sense of peace and ease.
Lengthen the Exhalation
When we feel stressed, our exhalations tend to grow short and choppy. When were relaxed, though, the exhalations extend so completely that they are often longer than the inhalations. Some teachers even instruct that if were deeply relaxed, each exhalation will be twice as long as the inhalation. To facilitate this, try gently extending each exhalation by one or two seconds.
Pause After Each Exhalation
In our most relaxed state, the end of each exhalation is punctuated by a short pause. Lingering in this sweet spot can be deeply satisfying and can evoke feelings of profound quiet and stillness.
Let the Whole Body Breathe
When we are at ease, the whole body participates in the breathing process. Imagine a sleeping baby: When he breathes in and out, the belly swells and releases, the hips rock to and fro, the shoulders bob, and the spine gently undulates. This offers a mini-massage for the muscles and organs of the whole body, and turns each breath into a soothing melody that further calms and quiets every cell within.
See also Pranayama Practices for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Claudia Cummins teaches yoga in central Ohio.
Beginning students often ask for instructions on the right way to breathe. Alas, theres no single answer to that question, since the optimal breathing
Breathing Exercises Yoga for Relaxation | Yoga Pranayama ...
Yoga and breath together balances you life and provides Celebrate the diversity in yoga by combining breathing techniques, Breathing Exercises for Relaxation
The Yoga Loft Of Bethlehem - Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga is a way of followed by restorative postures and breathing techniques for offering 2 hours of deep relaxation in supported yoga
Breathing Relaxation Exercise
The easiest way to watch all 18 relaxation videos in beautiful high definition is at the http://BecomeRelaxed.com/ website.
Pranayama (Breathing) Exercises & Poses - Yoga Journal
read up on yoga breathing techniques and sequences to practice pranayama. Breathe Easy: Relax with Pranayama. Restorative Poses > Seated >
Yoga poses and breathing for insomnia | The Jakarta Post
you can try restorative yoga and breathing techniques, stimuli in the bedroom and learn relaxation techniques like yoga have a better
6 Breathing Exercises to Relax in 10 Minutes or Less ...
6 Breathing Exercises to Relax in 10 Minutes approved ways to relax using breathing techniques borrowed from yoga, with the breath Yoga breathing,
Video Step by Step Yoga Relaxation Breathing Techniques
http://cleancuisineandmore.com/video-step-by-step-yoga-relaxation-breathing-techniques/ Mounting medical evidence supports yoga's mind-body healing
Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief: Finding the ...
You can do this by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, The key to deep breathing is to breathe deeply Relaxation technique 6: Yoga and
3 Yoga Breathing Techniques to Keep You Warm This Winter
the cooling breath, Here are three breathing exercises to help Embrace the meaning and practice behind restorative yoga and how to relax with