A Yoga Breathing Technique That Really Works to Lengthen Your Breath! (The Expanded Breath)

The skill we're focusing on in this article is expanding your breath, from the beginning of your inhale to the end of your exhale.

Can it change if you practice pranayama, Functional Yoga Training breathing techniques regularly? Will you feel more relaxed? The answer is yes!

Remember the key to getting measurable results is to practice these breathing techniques two or more times a week.

Here we go:

The Expanded Breath - Multiple Locations From the Chest Down:

Seated Comfortably
Begin breathing using the *Ujayi breath
Inhale into center of chest
Breathe into side ribs
Breathe into lower ribs in back
Breathe into lower abdomen
Breathe into hips
Exhale slowly...
Repeat for five breaths

The Expanded Breath - Multiple Locations From the Abdomen Up:

Now try the reverse, Using an *Ujayi breath inhale into lower abdomen
Allow your breath to expand into lower back
Allow your breath to expand into lower ribs
Allow your breath to expand into side ribs
Allow your breath to expand into center of chest
Exhale slowly...
Repeat for five breaths

*An Ujayi breath is done by breathing in through the nose to the back of the throat, listening for the sound of your breath as it passes the throat. This sound is similar to the sound a baby makes when it's sleeping. The exhale comes from the back of the throat back out through the nose, also listening to the sound your breath makes as it passes the throat.

How do you feel? In addition to lengthening your breath, one of the reasons it's important to practice is to develop composure, a calmer nervous system.

The Benefits

Practicing this kind of breathing to regain a sense of tranquility and stillness. Aside from learning how to lengthen your breath, a quiet nervous system will allow you to feel more stress-free.

Save the breath measurement you took at the beginning of this article, you'll need it for reference as you continue your practice.

Helpful Tips

When practicing breathing techniques never force or strain your breath, or you could irritate your nervous system
Stop if it gets uncomfortable
If you reach a point where you need to go back to a regular breath during any exercise, by all means do so
Respiratory capacity develops gradually and cannot be forced

I look forward to hearing about your progress!

? Copyright 2010 - Julie Downey - Functional Yoga Training, All Right Reserved Worldwide

Julie Downey

juliedowney.com juliedowney.com

Julie Downey is a pioneer in the field of yoga training for athletics. She's been teaching yoga techniques to professional and college sports teams and athletes since 2003. Her instruction focuses on Functional Yoga Training; addressing the unique needs athletes have for increasing strength, flexibility and energy, while reducing the incidence of injury. Click on the link above to find out how Julie can help you bring in the missing link to your training with cutting edge Functional Yoga Training techniques for you, your team or your school!