The Best Breath for Beating Stress – A tutorial on alternate nostril breathing.
I have experimented with a plethora of breathing techniques: three part breathing, fire breath, bumble bee breath, box breath, wim hoff breathing, breathing one breath per minute, etc. Hands down my experience and the anecdotal evidence of others has been that alternate nostril breathing is one of the best breathing techniques you can use to attack anxiety.
Science backs up this assessment. Numerous studies have been conducted regarding the effects of alternate nostril breathing on a regular basis. What was revealed is that this simple technique:
- Reduces respiratory rate
- Reduces heart rate
- Improves respiratory function
- Lowers blood pressure
And, here is one of the often overlooked biggies…
Alternate nostril breathing balances brain activity.
Why is balancing brain activity so important?
Because when we get angry or experience heightened emotion the activity in our brains gets imbalanced. That’s part of why you cannot think clearly when you are upset, along with host of other chemical reactions our body has. The bottom-line is alternate nostril breathing brings the body and brain back into balance.
If you don’t know how to do this breath and you struggle with stress or anxiety, please watch this video. In it I walk you through step-by-step how to perform this easy pranayama (breath work) practice.
Every yogi needs to this simple yoga breath practice in their tool kit of self-care techniques. The great thing about pranayama is that you can practice anywhere and at any time. In fact, I often do alternate nostril breathing when I am driving or at my office desk. Oh, by the way, this video ends abruptly.
This video was originally a facebook live offered only my private facebook group for christian yogis and my internet connection apparently dropped near the end. However, the complete instruction for both a basic and a more advanced practice of this powerful yoga breathing technique is all there.
Blessings, Rev. John Arnold The Yoga Pastor
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/christyogaandyou/
