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 strategies for emotional support: