Yoga basics & beyond | September 2016

Your H(OM)e Practice

In times of transition it is easy to feel unsteady, overwhelmed and lost. In Yoga our physical practice can make us feel grounded by meditating on what is on the ground and our relationship to it. When I am grounded I can see my horizon more clearly and I appreciate the view even more. Another tool yoga gives us is the breath! As the weather and days start to bring a change you can see and feel, with attention to it the breath can always bring you into the "here," into the present. Pranayama techniques can be a helpful tool in this transitional period, in times where you fill a chill, your breath can heat the body up. At other times, during those late-late summer bursts your breath can be your all-natural air conditioning. So for the month of September use these methods to cool or warm the body.

Pranayama: Ujjayi

Also known a Victorious Breath or Ocean Breath this breath control technique is designed to warm the body up. This practice can happen as a "warm up" to a physical asana practice or even in times of a minor cold. Allow yourself time to notice any effect this technique has on your body.

Pranayama: Sitkari

This pranayama technique is one of the "cooling" breath exercises that can be used to help bring down your internal temperature after a heated or invigorating yoga class. It can even be used during those dog days of summer! This technique is an alternative to Sitali, which requires the curl of the tongue. This technique allows a flat tongue so that the tip of the tongue can penetrate through the bottom and top teeth. The benefits of the techniques are the same: cools the system and soothes the eyes and ears. It is beneficial in cases of low fever as well as it activates the liver and the spleen, improves digestion and relieves thirst!

Pranayama: Sitali

This pranayama technique is a more advance "cooling" technique. More advanced because it requires more muscle memory and ability with the tongue. However, do not fret! The Sitkari pranayama is just as effective. If it is challenging to curl the tongue lengthwise, into a "u" like shape as it protrudes half way out of the mouth, then practice Sitkari.