My interview with Writer / Author, independant journalist

Hope you enjoy reading my interview with Jolita Asmara

http://jolitaasmara.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-special-interview-with-medini.html

Pranayama (breath control) for stress release

Pranayama is a sankrit term applied to the act of controlling the flow of the universal life force energy through the nadis or energy channels.  Three different flows of energy are created in the nostrils- ida, pingala and sushumna. The left nostril is connected to the ida network of nadis which stimulate the mental faculties; and the right nostril to the pingala network of nadis which stimulate the body. When deep flow of energy is created in the ida and pingala nadis, a balance in the mind and body is brought about via the sushumna nadi.

We all go through stress each day and for many of us it is true to say that life without stress is impossible.  The nadi shodhana pranayama is a very simple and focused breathing technique which when practiced daily; morning and evening for 10 to 15 minutes will offer significant benefits to the individual.

This form of breathing aims to increase lung capacity which normal shallow breathing is unable to cope with.  The increased lung capacity allows for optimum oxygenation of the blood and hence the cells of the body and the maximum removal of waste from the body.  The regular practice of nadi shodhana, causes the parasympathetic nervous system to over ride the sympathetic nervous system.  This results in the calming of the mind and lowering of the heart rate.  The individual becomes mentally agile and may be able to develop high concentration levels and better problem solving skills, including an enhanced capacity to deal with challenges. 

How do you do it?

Sit in a comfortable meditative position (for example cross legged on the floor) with your back and head erect and eyes closed.  Use a wall to support your back if necessary.

Take your dominant hand (ie right hand if you are right handed and left hand if you are left handed).  For simplicity I will explain using the right hand.  Place the thumb next to right nostril and the fouth or ring finger next to the left with the pinky (small finger) relaxed.  Rest the index and middle fingers on the space between the eyebrows. 

Start with the nostril you find easier to inhale from.  You can initially check this by closing each nostril in turn and checking how easy it is to breathe.  For ease we will take it as the right one.  Then follow the steps below:

Close the left nostril with the fourth finger, inhale deeply from the right nostril without holding the breath

Close the right nostril with the thumb, open the left nostril and exhale calmly and completely through the left

Inhale deeply through the left again, close the left nostril, release the right nostril and exhale through the right.

Inhale again through the right and continue

During the switch from one nostril to another there will be a one second pause where both nostrils will be closed at the same time- be aware of this.  Do not at any point hold your breath.  The breathing should be stable and continuous.  Your mind will be completely focused on the breathing and with regular practice you will start to feel relaxed.

At any point during the practice, breathing should not be forceful and you must not feel any discomfort.  Should this happen, discontinue the practice and consult your doctor.

Medini Kanathigoda

www.mindbodysoulsanctuary.com