Let’s look at more breathing techniques for cleansing, healing, expanding power and energy.
Rhythmic Breathing
Various breathing rhythms can have calming, centering and even energizing effects for the breather. Below are some long-standing practices.
Inhale through the nose slowly for 8 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds and pause for 4 seconds. Repeat for several minutes.
From the Sufis: Inhale for 7 seconds, hold for one second and exhale for 7 seconds, pause for one second. Repeat for several minutes.
From the Tibetans: Inhale through the nose for 8 seconds, hold for 32 seconds, exhale for 16 seconds. Continue for several minutes, with no pauses after the exhale.
You can also experiment with different rhythms; the most important aspect of rhythmic breathing is to settle into a peaceful, calming flow. Rhythmic breathing is also wonderful while exercising.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
Our breathing tends to flow more strongly through one nostril than the other during the course of the day, switching every 4 hours. This switching, while reflecting the basic polarity of the brain, body, mind and personality, helps to maintain balance. We can take an active role in this balancing process through conscious alternate nostril breathing.
Use the thumb to close one nostril, while inhaling for 8 seconds, hold for 4 seconds while moving the thumb to the other nostril. Exhale for 8 seconds, pause for 4 seconds. Continue for several minutes, remembering to switch nostrils before exhaling.
Circulating Energy
Slowly inhale and exhale through the nose. With the inhalation feel the air entering your body through the left hand traveling up the arm to the base of the neck. Exhale allowing the air to flow down the right arm exiting through the right hand and fingers. Continue for several breaths then reverse the flow by inhaling through the right hand and out through the left hand and fingers.
Now switch to the legs - with each inhalation feel the air enter the left foot traveling up the leg to the base of the spine. Exhale down the right leg for several breaths and then reverse the flow, in through the right foot out through the left for several breaths.
Switch the entry point of the inhalation to the base of the spine drawing energy up the spine to the top of the head. Exhale letting the energy flow down the front of the body across the face, throat, chest belly and sex organs. Continue for several minutes allowing the energy to flow up the spine and down the front of the body like a waterfall.
“When positive or joyous feelings and attitudes pass through each organ and circulate throughout our whole system, our physical and chemical energies are transformed and balanced. In other words, we have the opportunity to recreate our bodies through positive energy. “ –Tarthang Tulku-
Source: Breathing- Expanding Your Power and Energy by Michael Sky
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