Viloma
Breathing
Last week we
blogged about Nadi Shodan breathing and all the great benefits we can
experience through the practice of Nadi Shodan pranayama.
Another
breathing technique that I love to use when I ‘just’ need a break is Viloma
breathing.
Again, just
like with all other pranayamas, each breathing technique is priceless in that
it makes you become more aware of your breath and particularly how you are
breathing. Here in this practice we have the opportunity to direct the breath,
control the mechanical process of breathing to increase the health benefits of
our natural breathing our inhale and exhale.
The practice
of Viloma breathing requires that you to bring the breath down to the bottom of
the lungs and then bring the breath up to the middle of the lungs. So, we are
working the breath in stages. It is also
known as top up or staggered breath.
Our lives are
so stressful, we find that during the day tension and stress builds up in the
body. When this happens we tend to breathe very shallowly into the upper part
of the lungs. Stress starts in the mind
and the body takes the blows. Tension accumulates in the most vulnerable areas
of the body, or where we have a tendency to hold tension and stress. Usually
the neck, shoulders and head suffer. The
end result of shallow breathing is that the lungs take only a third of the
breath it needs into the upper chest while the lower and middle parts are
ignored. Stagnant air becomes trapped in
the lower areas of our lungs and has no way of moving out of the body. The only
way we can get rid of this toxic air is through the practice of pranayama. We need
fresh prana to circulate through the lungs in order to flush out all of the
toxic, stale air. This is very important
because if stale air stays in the lungs this is not healthy for the body. The
lungs transport air into the blood stream to revitalize and feed all of our
cells, keeping the body healthy. The more fresh chi we can send to the blood
stream the better off and healthier we will be.
If an ample supply of fresh oxygen prana or chi is not available to enter
the blood stream we may become lethargic, tired and prone to sickness. 
Viloma breathing
will gently remove tension out of the entire body, you will become aware of the
release in the torso especially when you inhale and bring the breath in and
down to the ribcage, abdominal region. The shoulders will soften; releasing tension
and the lungs will be stretched and exercised increasing lung capacity and also
increasing strength to the lung muscle tissue.
Your parasympathetic nervous system will switch on and revitalise,
re-energise and heal the body. The longer you are able to practice this relaxation
technique the more benefits the body will gain.
I love to practice
Viloma breathing before I go to bed at night. It is very effective due to the
rapid way this practice relaxes the body. I calm my body, slow my mind down and
reduce my heart rate while listening to yoga mantras that rest my soul and
helps me to feel peaceful.
I can’t think
of a better way to transport the body/mind/spirit into a soothing, tranquil
state before nodding off.
If you would like any more information on this topic (pranayama breathing) or yoga and meditation you are welcome to contact us. Leave a comment along with your details and we will get back to you as soon as wel can. Have a great day.
Namaste
Lalita and Kimmie
Lalita and Kimmie
Will give this a try sounds great
ReplyDeleteI love pranayam it works
ReplyDeletedoes dis work where are your classes
ReplyDeleteHi you can rsvp by going to our facebook page
Deletewww.facebook.com/ymsayogameditationstudiosaustralia
Normally all the classes are posted there, just leave a comment, or enquiry and someone will get back to you thanks. Bye
sounds so good I should come to a class can you post your classes times
ReplyDeleteYMSPB class timetable is here www.yogapalmbeach.blogspot.com.au have a look, find a time that suits you and will see you at class :)
Delete