Breathing

   By Frigga's Weft

Studying with my teacher has taught me a lot about Eastern techniques...not exactly what I was expecting when I signed on to study Paganism. However I've come to really value the work because of the way it resonates with me and also the way it so seamlessly merges with my Pagan practice. I think Axiom's idea that Eastern energy work is closely related to the (lost) styles of the ancient European Pagan mystics is right. So, this issue I want to talk about breathing techniques. The way you breathe is the foundation for meditation and yoga. It influences everything you do and mastery of it determines mastery of your activity. Effective yogic breathing is energising, balancing, and enhances mental clarity.

To breathe correctly you must sit correctly - spine straight so head, neck, and back form a line.

The types of breathing are as follows:

Basic Yogic Breathing
This is the most common style utilised in yoga. The breath flows in an even and rhythmic action in and out. Inhale and fill the abdomen, the rib cage, and then the rest of the chest - so the air flows in and down to your stomach region and as that fills the air fills your lungs. To exhale follow the same pattern - abdomen empties and pushes upwards to empty the rib cage and the upper chest.

• Benefits: promotion of mental clarity and peacefulness. Exercise of the rib cage.

Victorious Breathing
This is a more controlled method. You need to be aware of where your vocal cords are. They are located within your larynx - that part of your throat that moves up and down when you swallow. Place your fingers and lay them over your larynx. Now hum and feel the vibration. That is where your vocal cords are.

Inhale slowly through your nose, mouth closed, and try to 'tighten' your vocal chords. As you exhale through your nose, mouth still closed, you should make a low throaty hum. The aim is to make a similar sound inhaling. This takes practice so don't be discouraged if it doesn't work at first.

• Benefits: calming to the nerves, exercises the abdominal region, improves mental focus. Toxin release

Nostril Breathing with the Vishnu Mudra
Use your right hand to perform the mudra - thumb to right nostril, ring and little finger to the left. Use your thumb to close your right nostril and inhale for a count of four through the left nostril. Use your ring and little fingers to close the left nostril as well and hold your breath for a count of eigth. Release your right nostril and exhale for a count of four and then inhale for a count of four. Close your right nostril, count to eight, release your left nostril and exhale for a count of four. Inhale, close left nostril, count to eight, release right nostril and exhale.

This action should be performed for 8 total breaths.

• Benefits: strengthens the respiratory system, balances both sides of the brain, and releases toxins from the body.

Cleansing Breath
Inhale with a slow, smooth action. Then exhale in a forced motion - contract your abdominal muscles quickly to force out the air. As you inhale, relax. Repeat this through 20 breaths.

Bellows Breathing
To follow the "Cleansing Breath". Breathe in through both nostrils in a slow, deep fashion, hold for a moment, and then exhale slowly and smoothly. Repeat this through 3 breaths.

• Benefits: clears the mind, expunges stale air.

Hissing Breath
Poke the tip of your tongue through your teeth, part your lips, and draw in your breath over your tongue so that it 'hisses' until your lungs are comfortably full. Close mouth, hold breath for a moment, and exhale through nose. Repeat through 2 breaths.

• Benefits: cools body and mind.

Cooling Breath
Curl tongue to create a trough and poke through teeth and lips. Draw in air smoothly along tongue. Bring tongue into mouth, close lips, and hold breath for a moment. Breath out smoothly through nose.

• Benefits: cools body and mind.

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