In yoga, breathing matters as much as the postures. Good breathing helps you hold a pose, focus and relax. Here are three simple exercises, no equipment needed.
Belly breathing
Lying on your back with one hand on your belly, breathe in through the nose and let the belly rise, then breathe out and let it fall.
Stay for five minutes without forcing. This is the basis of all other exercises.
The longer exhale
Sitting down, breathe in for a count of four and out for a count of six. An exhale longer than the inhale encourages relaxation.
Practise for a few minutes before sleep or after a busy day.
Alternate nostril breathing
Close the right nostril with your thumb and breathe in through the left. Close the left, breathe out through the right, then breathe in on the right and out on the left.
Do five to ten slow rounds. Stop if you feel dizzy and return to natural breathing.
To practise well
- Breathe through the nose, mouth closed
- Never force the breath
- Practise on an empty stomach or well after meals
- Start with three to five minutes a day
Learn to breathe in class
Every class includes guided breathing. Come and try it in Nantes.