This breath opens the rib cage and chest cavity-women with big busts, or anyone carrying stomach weight, this helps offset the weight on the frontal body by expanding the lungs in three separate "breath" chambers and oxygenates the blood.

Date:   3/9/2005 6:30:37 PM ( 19 y ago)

Dirgha Pranayama Known as the "complete" or "three-part" breath, dirgha pranayama teaches how to fill the three chambers of the lungs, beginning with the lower lungs, then moving up through the thoracic region and into the clavicular region.

Benefits

Promotes proper diaphragmatic breathing, relaxes the mind and body, oxygenates the blood and purges the lungs of residual carbon dioxide.

How to do it

Sit with your spine erect, or lie down on your back. Begin taking long, slow, and deep breaths through the nostrils.

As you inhale, allow the belly to fill with air, drawing air deep into the lower lungs. As you exhale, allow the belly to deflate like a balloon. Repeat several times, keeping the breath smooth and relaxed, and never straining. Repeat several times.
Breathe into your belly as in Step #1, but also expand the mid-chest region by allowing the rib cage to open outward to the sides. Exhale and repeat several times.
Follow steps #1 and #2 and continue inhaling by opening the clavicular region or upper chest. Exhale and repeat.
Combine all three steps into one continuous or complete flow.
When to do it

During asana practice
Prior to meditation
Prior to relaxation
Anytime you feel like it



 

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