6 Easy Breathing Techniques for Enhanced Weight Loss

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    6 EASY BREATHING TECHNIQUES

    FOR ENHANCED WEIGHT LOSS

    NIKA KARAN

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    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    1) Introduction

    2) The benefits of yoga breathing

    3) A short guide to a successful breathing practice

    4) Breathing techniques for enhanced weight loss

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    1. Introduction

    Breathing is life- it is linked to all aspects of human existence. It is one of

    the most vital functions of the body, stimulating the activity of each and

    every cell and influencing the performance of the brain. Breathing is

    responsible for the burning of oxygen and glucose, producing energy to

    power the muscles and glands.

    In sanskrit Breath Control is called Pranayama (its comprised of two

    roots: 'prana' - means vital energy and 'yama' - means control).

    Most people breathe incorrectly, using only a small part of their lung

    capacity. We tend to shallow-breathe, depriving the body of oxygen

    essential to its good health and optimal relaxation.

    In this manual I'll guide you through the special selection of 6 Breathing

    Techniques that enhance weight loss. I'll teach you how to reestablish

    proper breathing patterns and what's most important how to use your

    breath to relax and burn unwanted calories.

    On the following pages youll discover:

    ! A Short Guide For A Successful Breathing Practice - this guide

    answers a variety of common questions, such as where and

    when to practice and how to practice for optimal results

    ! Detailed descriptions of 6 Slimming Breathing Techniques

    ! Every breathing technique includes step-by-step instructions on

    how to perform the breathing as well as its benefits and

    precautions

    Ill also explain you the general benefits of Yoga Breathing, to show you

    how a simple act of conscious inhalation and exhalation can change

    your life.

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    2. The Benefits Of Yoga Breathing

    In addition to influencing the quality of our life, Yoga Breathing has

    several other benefits for our body and general well-being:

    " Better Digestion and Detoxification: special heating breathing

    techniques stimulate the metabolic rate and tone digestive organs.

    They produce the heat in the body and flush out wastes and toxins,

    strengthening the immune system. The body becomes lean, strong

    and healthy, and all the unwanted fat is burned

    " Increased Lifespan: ancient Yogis noticed a long time ago that

    animals with a slow x, like elephants, pythons or tortoise live way

    longer than those with a fast breathing rate. They realized that

    reduced breathing rate makes your heart stronger and better

    nourished and contributes to a longer life. You can train yourself to

    breathe slower and reduce your breathing rate from a standard 15

    breaths a minute to 5-6 breaths a minute. In result you'll lower theblood pressure and relax.

    " Improved Blood Circulation: by breathing slowly and deeply your

    blood circulation improves and more oxygen can be pumped even

    with less number of breaths. The heart pumps the freshly

    oxygenated blood via arteries and blood vessels to every part of

    the body, where in turn it seeps into every tissue and cell.

    " Healthy Heart: the heart beats 100,000 times a day. It is pumping

    blood day in and day out non-stop all your life. More oxygen in the

    blood means more oxygen to muscles of the heart, what basically

    translates into a longer life span.

    " Mental Benefits: Yoga breathing prepares the mind for meditation

    and you'll also experience the feeling of inner peace, relaxation

    and better sleep.

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    3. A Short Guide To A Successful Breathing

    Practice

    " BEFORE YOU START:

    If you have a medical condition you should consult your medical or

    health specialist before embarking on any slimming program.It also

    applies to pregnant women and children below 12 years old.

    The information provided within this book is believed to be accurate

    based on the personal experience of the authors but the reader is

    responsible for consulting with their own health professional before

    changing the diet or starting an exercise program; it is not a

    substitute for proper medical advice.

    If in doubt, please consult your doctor or licensed medical

    practitioner. Nika Karan is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis

    made by a user based on the content of this book.

    " WHEN TO PRACTICE:

    The best time to practice Yoga breathing techniques is early in the

    morning, one to two hours before sunrise when oxygen content is

    maximum in the air. This is also the time when the body is fresh and

    the mind is clear from any negative thoughts.

    If you can't practice in the morning, another good time is in the

    evening, just after the sunset. Evening practice has an additional

    tranquilizing effect on your body and will help you sleep better.

    You can also try to practice breathing anytime during the day,

    whenever you have a free moment at work, or on the way forlunch. Even 5 minutes of deep breathing will revitalize your bodyand help you to concentrate better and be more productive.

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    " WHERE TO PRACTICE:

    Find a place where you are least likely to be disturbed. It can be

    your room, garden or beach- indoors or outdoors, wherever there isan even, flat surface.

    If you are practicing indoors, make sure that the room is ventilated

    and with comfortable temperature.Air conditioned rooms are not

    advisable - when the environment is cold your body is stiff, and

    muscles stretch slowly. A clean environment and fresh air adds

    additional benefits to the breathing practice.

    You can also practice simple breathing techniques during the day

    in the office,just make sure that you are not interrupting anyone.

    " EATING AND DRINKING:

    Never practice directly after eating. Breathing should be done on

    empty stomach.Therefore allow at least 1 hour after a snack and 2

    - 3 hours after a heavy meal before you begin your breathing

    practice.

    It is best to drink before or after your breathing session, to avoid

    becoming dehydrated. Try to avoid drinking water during the

    practice, to avoid losing your concentration on breathing.

    " BREATHING POSTURE

    You can sit in any comfortable meditation pose. As an alternative

    you can sit against the wall with the legs outstretched or in a chair

    which has a straight back.

    Make sure that your body is as relaxed as possible through the

    practice with the spine, neck and head erect.

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    " HOW TO PRACTICE:

    1) Always breathe through the noseunless instructed otherwise by a

    particular technique.

    2)Clear your nosebefore the practice to allow the air to flow freely

    through both nostrils.

    3) Concentrate on your breath - Breathing practice should be a

    refreshing experience. While practicing, forget about your worries

    and stress.

    4) Do not strain the breath. Strain destroys the benefits of the

    exercise. The lungs are very delicate organs and any misuse can

    easily cause them injury.

    5) If at any time you feel uncomfortable during your breathing

    practice, stop. Go back to normal breathing and relax.

    6) Breathing should be practiced after Yoga postures and before

    meditation. You may also lie down for few minutes in the corpse

    pose after your breathing practice.

    7)Possibleeffects: because of the process of purification and the

    release of toxins you may experience a number of symptoms:

    sensations of itching, tingling, heat or cold, or a feeling of lightnessor heaviness. You may also feel your energy level going up or down.

    These changes are usually temporary, but if they persist contact a

    competent Yoga teacher or doctor.

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    4. Breathing Techniques For Enhanced

    Weight Loss

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    COOLING BREATH (in Sanskrit known as Sheetkari) is a breathing

    technique which involves hissing, leading to a cooling effect upon thewhole body and mind. Sheetkari is derived from the root sheet, which

    means cold.

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Sit down in a comfortable meditative posture with your hands resting on

    the knees .Keep the head and spine straight, close the eyes and relax

    the whole body. Open the lips and keep the teeth together. Lightlypress the tip of the tongue against the lower front teeth, inhale slowly

    and deeply through the teeth with a kind of hissing sound like the sound

    of the letter 'S'. After filling the lungs completely, close the mouth and

    exhale slowly through both nostrils. Repeat 5 to 15 times.

    PRECAUTIONS

    Do not practice Sheetkari in a polluted atmosphere or during cold

    weather (inhalation of a dirty or cold air directly into the lungs may

    cause harm). People with sensitive teeth, missing teeth or dentures

    should practice Sheetali Breath instead (inhaling through the rolled

    tongue). People suffering from low blood pressure, flu, chronic

    constipation or respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis and

    excessive mucous, should not practice this breathing technique. It

    should not be practiced in winter or cold climates.

    BENEFITS

    Cooling effect on the body affecting important brain centers

    associated with biological drives and temperature regulation. Improving

    disposition and digestion, controlling hunger and thirst. Inducing

    muscular relaxation, mental tranquility and may be used as atranquilizer before sleep. Refreshing the body, mind and purifying the

    blood. Clearing complexion. Reducing anger, anxiety and stress.

    COOLING BREATH

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    BELLOWS BREATH (In sanskrit known as Bhastrika) Just as a blacksmith

    works his bellows, so are the abdominal muscles exercised during this

    practice in which air is forcefully drawn in and out. The bellows increases

    the flow of air into the fire, producing more heat.

    Bhastrika increases the flow of air into the body to produce inner heat at

    both the physical and subtle levels, stoking the inner fire of mind/body.

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Sit down in a comfortable meditative posture with your hands resting on

    the knees. Keep the head and spine straight, close the eyes and relax

    the whole body. Breathe in and out forcefully, without straining, through

    both nostrils. There should be a snuffing sound in the nose, but no sound

    should come from the throat or chest. The abdomen should expand

    and contract rhythmically with the breath, the pumping action should

    be performed by the abdomen alone; the chest, shoulders and face

    remain relaxed. Practice from 10 to 50 breaths in a medium rate -

    approximately 1 breath per second.

    PRECAUTIONS

    People with high blood pressure, heart disease, hernia, gastric ulcer,

    stroke epilepsy, retinal problems, glaucoma or vertigo should not

    practice Bhastrika. The elderly, those suffering from lung diseases or inthe first trimester of pregnancy are recommender to practice only after

    consultation with a doctor. Excess in practice may induce dizziness,

    drowsiness.

    BENEFITS

    Stimulating the metabolic rate, producing the heat and flushing out

    wastes and toxins. The rapid and rhythmic movement of the diaphragm

    massages and stimulates the visceral organs, toning the digestive

    system. Relaxing and revitalizing the body. Stimulating the nervous and

    the circulatory systems.

    BELLOWS BREATH

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    BREATH OF FIRE (In Sanskrit known as Kapalbhati) is similar to Bhastrika,

    but there are few important differences. Bhastrika uses forceful

    inhalation and exhalation, expanding and contracting the lungs above

    and below their usual volume. Kapalbhati uses forceful exhalation, while

    the inhalation remains a passive process.

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Sit down in a comfortable meditative posture with your hands resting on

    the knees. Keep the head and spine straight, close the eyes and relaxthe whole body. Exhale forcefully through both nostrils. The following

    inhalation will be passive, involving no effort and allowing the

    abdominal muscles to relax. The rapid breathing should be from the

    abdomen; the shoulders and face remain relaxed. The number of

    respirations may be increased from the initial count of 10 to up to 50, as

    the abdominal muscles become stronger. Advanced practitioners can

    increase up to 60 or 100 breaths per round.

    PRECAUTIONS

    Pregnant women, people suffering from high blood pressure, heart

    disease, vertigo, hernia, gastric ulcer, stroke, epilepsy should not

    practice Kapalbhati. It should be performed on an empty stomach, 3 to

    4 hours after meals. If practiced late at night, it can prevent sleep. If

    pain or dizziness are experienced, stop the practice and go back tonormal breathing

    BENEFITS

    Stimulating the metabolic rate, producing the heat and flushing out

    wastes and toxins. Toning digestive organs. Cleansing the lungs, curing

    respiratory disorders. Balancing and strengthening the nervous system.Purifying the energy channels. Energizing the mind for mental work,

    removing sleepiness.

    BREATH OF FIRE

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    HUMMING BEE BREATH(In Sanskrit known as Bhramari)- a soft "humming-

    bee" sound is produced during exhalation, hence the name of thisbreathing technique. Very often Bhramari is practiced together with a

    Sheetkari breath - inhaling with Sheetkari and exhaling with Bhramari.

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Sit down in a comfortable meditative posture with your hands resting on

    the knees. Keep the head and spine straight, close the eyes and relax

    the whole body. Inhale deeply through the nose. Exhale slowly throughthe nose while making a deep, steady humming sound like a bee. The

    humming should be smooth, even and continuous for the duration of

    the exhalation. The sound should be soft and mellow, youll feel a

    gentle vibration in your throat. This is one round, repeat 10 to 20 times.

    PRECAUTIONS

    It shouldnt be performed while lying down, always sit down in the

    comfortable meditative posture. People with severe ear infections

    should not practice this breathing technique

    BENEFITS

    Relieving stress and tension. Alleviating anger, anxiety and insomnia,

    increasing the healing capacity of the body. Strengthening andimproving the voice. The vibration of the humming sound has a soothing

    and calming effect on the body and mind. Useful for hypertension and

    depression

    HUMMING BEE BREATH

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    RIGHT NOSTRIL BREATH (In Sanskrit known as Surya Bheda) means to

    pierce or purify the energy channels in the body in order to increase the

    vitality. The sanskrit word "surya" means "sun", which refers to the energy

    of the Sun (vital energy) in the body. Bheda means "to pierce", "pass

    through", "awaken".

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Sit down in a comfortable meditative posture with your hands resting on

    the knees. Keep the head and spine straight, close the eyes and relaxthe whole body. Close the left nostril with the left thumb and slowly

    inhale through the right nostril. Exhale slowly through the right nostril. This

    is one round. Repeat from 10 to 30 rounds

    PRECAUTIONS

    People suffering from heart disease, hypertension, epilepsy,

    hyperthyroid, peptic ulcer, acidity or anxiety should not practice this

    breathing technique. Never practice Surya Bheda after eating, as it will

    interfere with the natural flow of energy associated with digestion. It

    may cause imbalance in the breathing cycle if performed for

    prolonged periods.

    BENEFITS

    When you inhale solely through the right nostril you generate heat

    energy which is sent out through your body. Revitalizing the body,

    increasing vital energy. Making the mind more alert and perceptive.

    Improving the immune system. Reducing wind and mucus and

    increasing bile and digestive power.

    RIGHT NOSTRIL BREATH

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    ALTERNATE NOSTRILS BREATH (In Sanskrit known as Anuloma Viloma) is

    one of the best and easy breathing exercises for complete purification

    of body and mind. It manipulates the flow of energy through theenergy

    channels in your body. It completely cures most of the internal body

    diseases without any medicine. It vanishes stress of body and mind.

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Sit down in a comfortable meditative posture with your hands resting on

    the knees. Keep the head and spine straight, close the eyes and relax

    the whole body. Using your right thumb close your right nostril. Breathe in

    through the left nostril. Close the left nostril and breathe out through the

    right nostril. This is one round. Keep inhaling through the left and

    exhaling through the right nostril for 10 rounds (build up to 30 repetitions

    once you get more experience)

    PRECAUTIONS

    Make the inhalation and exhalation of equal length. Dont strain your

    breath, breathe softly and gently. Never try over practice to get

    benefits earlier, as it may cause fatigue or giddiness. Increase practice

    gradually after the body gains more stamina within few days. There is no

    side effects of this breathing technique if practiced properly.

    BENEFITS

    Restoring the natural balance in your breathing. Removing tension, fear,

    and worry and making the mind calm, steady, lucid, poised and serene.

    Cleansing and strengthening the lungs and entire respiratory system.

    Body becomes light and the eyes shiny.

    ALTERNATE NOSTRILS

    BREATH

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    BREATH IS LIFE.If you breathe well

    you will live long on earth.~ Sanskrit Proverb