Skull Shining Breath

Audio File

Instructions

  • Practice on an empty stomach.

  • Sit comfortably with your spine upright. Place your hands on the knees with palms up. 

  • Take a deep breath in.

  • As you exhale, pull your navel in towards the spine. You may keep your right hand on the stomach to feel the abdominal muscles contract.

  • As you relax the navel and abdomen, the breath flows into your lungs automatically.

  • Take 20 breaths to complete one round.

  • After completing the round, relax with your eyes closed and observe the sensations in your body.

  • Do two more rounds.

Modifications

  • Slow breaths to match what works with your body

Contraindications

  • Avoid practicing this if you have an artificial pacemaker or stent, epilepsy, hernia, backache due to slip disc, or have recently undergone abdominal surgery.

  • Women should not practice during and shortly after pregnancy as well as during menstruation as it involves vigorous abdominal squeezes.

  • People with hypertension and heart problems should practice this breathing technique only under a yoga expert's guidance.

Type of pose

  • Pranayama

Parts of Body Benefited

  • Increases the metabolic rate and aids in weight loss

  • Clears the nadis (subtle energy channels)

  • Stimulates abdominal organs and thus is extremely useful to those with diabetes

  • Improves blood circulation and adds radiance to the face

  • Improves digestive tract functioning, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients

  • Results in a taut and trimmed down belly

  • Energizes the nervous system and rejuvenates brain cells

  • Calms and uplifts the mind

Other poses that cultivate:

Clarity

Focus

Letting Go

Other strategies for emotional support:

Anger

Other strategies from:

Breathwork

Hatha Yoga

Yoga