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Pranayama Practices
Pranayama is the yogic practice of breath control. Your breath does more than just keep you alive. It can be used to heal your body and calm your mind. Yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar believes the stages of breath in pranayama can help one to generate energy, expansion, and awareness within. Whether you’re looking to reduce your stress or expand your mind, breathe deep and give some of these oxygen-boosting techniques a try.
Ujjayi Pranayama (Conqueror Breath)
This breathing technique is often referred to as ocean breath for the soft hissing sound made as you inhale and exhale over the back of your throat. With your mouth closed, inhale and exhale through your nose. Gently constrict your throat muscles to create the hissing sound. Focusing on this sound will help you to slow and smooth your breathing while maintaining awareness. Practice for five to 10 minutes, then return to normal breathing. Benefits include slow, even breathing and a calming of the mind.
Photo Credit: istockphoto.com
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