Be relaxed and sit with your spine straight, close your eyes and breathe normally, paying close attention to every breath for a minute, picturing and feeling each inhalation giving energy to the body and mind. Then, close your right nostril with your right thumb and draw a quick and deep breath through the left nostril to a mental count of six.
As soon as the inhalation is complete, exhale through the left nostril to the same mental count of six, making sure to empty your lungs completely by pushing out the last bit of air. When your exhalation is complete, pause and experience the breath-less state for a mental count of twelve (double the inhalation and exhalation count). Then begin the exercise again but this time by closing the left nostril with your left thumb while inhaling and exhaling though the left nostril.
You should try to do three cycles (right and left nostril are one cycle) but make sure that you do not push yourself if you are not comfortable doing three cycles. Always let your body be your guide and trust it completely, so if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable at any stage, stop immediately. With practice, you should be able to increase the cycles and it is OK to do as many as twenty cycles.
Kumbhaka raises your physical and mental energy while also increasing mental and spiritual awareness.
As with all exercises, please consult your medical professional before starting practice, specially if you have a medical condition. Note that Kumbhaka pranayama is a very powerful yoga technique but it should ideally be practiced under the guidance of a trained yoga teacher.
Jayan writes about yoga and health related issues. If you like this article, please visit his latest diversions at daybedbeddingsets.com Daybed Bedding Sets and barristerbookcase.net Barrister Bookcase.
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