THE KNOWLEDGE OF BREATH: 101
THE KNOWLEDGE OF BREATH: 101
DID YOU KNOW...?
DID YOU KNOW...?
Why is it called square breath?
Square breath got its name because the breathing pattern aligns perfectly with the sides of a square or box. There are four steps to the technique and four sides to a square. As a visual aid, some people imagine moving around the edge of a box as they do the breathing practice.
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Sitali breathing technique uses some very cool and interesting mouth mechanics including, the tongue and lips.
The Word Sitali has a Two-Part Meaning:
1. "SOOTHING" OR TO SOOTHE
When you sip in air on the inhale, you’ll hear a gentle wave like sound that might remind you of the ocean. The breathing pattern of Sitali breath also feels like an inner wave that ebbs and flows between inhales and exhales, offering a soothing inner sensation.
2. "COOLING" OR TO COOL
This aspect of meaning relates to the cool feeling produced when the air on the inhale moves along the upper and lower palate, also known as the (Tali) of the mouth. So, when we work with Sitali breath (the soothing sound of air) we are literally cooling and soothing our entire being.
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If your tongue tastes bitter when you practice Sitali breathing technique, it is an indication of toxicity-
Sitali breath is a cooling breath, it relaxes the whole body and all organ systems. It aids in digestion as well as detox's the body
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There are two important aspects to breath and that most of us don’t breathe correctly? The breath is both fundamental and subtle-
FUNDAMENTAL ASPECT
Is the blending of oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements that constitute air. These elements are essential for life and the feeling of vitality when we breathe deeply.
SUBTLE ASPECT
Is the prana or vital force that energizes the mind, body, and consciousness. It is the combination of the quantity (number of breaths per minute), quality (subtle characteristics), and circulation (movement) of the breath that creates the foundational essence of a vibrant and creative being.
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FOUR STROKE BREATH
Works to create a more effective breathing pattern. It expands lung capacity and brings fresh oxygen to the body systems thereby enhancing immune functions. It will also break up inner limitations and stagnation, energizing the body, mind and consciousness. You will gain patience, tolerance, an inner glow and grace.
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ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING
If you blocked off one nostril and checked your breathing right now then switched, you might notice that one nostril is more open than the other. The side with the greater airflow is considered the more “active” or dominant nostril, and the other is the more “passive” one. The flow of energy through Ida and Pingala is rarely equal and nostril dominance is said to alternate approximately every 90 minutes.
IDA CHANNEL
The current of energy ending in the left nostril, Ida channel, is cooling and associated with the feminine and the five senses. It is an inward, nurturing energy that refuels and replenishes. When overly dominant, left nostril energy may lead to chilliness, passivity, lack of assertiveness, and depression.
PINGALA CHANNEL
The current of energy ending in the right, Pingala channel, is more warming and associated with masculine energy, growth and expansion. It represents energy around the active senses; movement, communication, elimination, reproduction and manipulation. When overly dominant, right nostril energy may lead to fever, agitation, overassertiveness, and lack of concentration.
- Alternate Nostril Breathing works to balance these opposing forces and the relationship between the two channels of breath energies: warm and cool, male and female, active and receptive, rational and intuitive, contracting and relaxing, inflexible and fluid—these and other pairs of opposites comprise the archetypes that best describe.
More to come...
Square breath got its name because the breathing pattern aligns perfectly with the sides of a square or box. There are four steps to the technique and four sides to a square. As a visual aid, some people imagine moving around the edge of a box as they do the breathing practice.
-------------------------------------
Sitali breathing technique uses some very cool and interesting mouth mechanics including, the tongue and lips.
The Word Sitali has a Two-Part Meaning:
1. "SOOTHING" OR TO SOOTHE
When you sip in air on the inhale, you’ll hear a gentle wave like sound that might remind you of the ocean. The breathing pattern of Sitali breath also feels like an inner wave that ebbs and flows between inhales and exhales, offering a soothing inner sensation.
2. "COOLING" OR TO COOL
This aspect of meaning relates to the cool feeling produced when the air on the inhale moves along the upper and lower palate, also known as the (Tali) of the mouth. So, when we work with Sitali breath (the soothing sound of air) we are literally cooling and soothing our entire being.
----------------------------------------------
If your tongue tastes bitter when you practice Sitali breathing technique, it is an indication of toxicity-
Sitali breath is a cooling breath, it relaxes the whole body and all organ systems. It aids in digestion as well as detox's the body
-------------------------------------------------
There are two important aspects to breath and that most of us don’t breathe correctly? The breath is both fundamental and subtle-
FUNDAMENTAL ASPECT
Is the blending of oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements that constitute air. These elements are essential for life and the feeling of vitality when we breathe deeply.
SUBTLE ASPECT
Is the prana or vital force that energizes the mind, body, and consciousness. It is the combination of the quantity (number of breaths per minute), quality (subtle characteristics), and circulation (movement) of the breath that creates the foundational essence of a vibrant and creative being.
-----------------------------------------------
FOUR STROKE BREATH
Works to create a more effective breathing pattern. It expands lung capacity and brings fresh oxygen to the body systems thereby enhancing immune functions. It will also break up inner limitations and stagnation, energizing the body, mind and consciousness. You will gain patience, tolerance, an inner glow and grace.
--------------------------------------------------
ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING
If you blocked off one nostril and checked your breathing right now then switched, you might notice that one nostril is more open than the other. The side with the greater airflow is considered the more “active” or dominant nostril, and the other is the more “passive” one. The flow of energy through Ida and Pingala is rarely equal and nostril dominance is said to alternate approximately every 90 minutes.
IDA CHANNEL
The current of energy ending in the left nostril, Ida channel, is cooling and associated with the feminine and the five senses. It is an inward, nurturing energy that refuels and replenishes. When overly dominant, left nostril energy may lead to chilliness, passivity, lack of assertiveness, and depression.
PINGALA CHANNEL
The current of energy ending in the right, Pingala channel, is more warming and associated with masculine energy, growth and expansion. It represents energy around the active senses; movement, communication, elimination, reproduction and manipulation. When overly dominant, right nostril energy may lead to fever, agitation, overassertiveness, and lack of concentration.
- Alternate Nostril Breathing works to balance these opposing forces and the relationship between the two channels of breath energies: warm and cool, male and female, active and receptive, rational and intuitive, contracting and relaxing, inflexible and fluid—these and other pairs of opposites comprise the archetypes that best describe.
More to come...