bikram standing deep breathing exercise

Hi Momo

That’s an interesting question.

It is actually harder to forcefully push the air out through your nose than it is to forcefully push it out with your mouth open.

When you do exhale see if you can constrict your throat. If you’ve watched the video Effective Breathing In Hot Yoga then you’ll know the theory behind this.

If you try to breathe out through your nose with any force you will probably notice that it feels more like you are blowing your nose (and need a tissue ;)). The other notable effect is that it is FAR more tiring to breathe for many cycles inhaling and exhaling via the nose. Someone wrote to me about his use of a Pranayama technique called Bhastrika Pranayam. He was getting dizzy (and getting tingling in his fingers).

I like this Pranayama technique because it is quite sustainable and calming and you don’t have to limit the length of time you do it. I have not encountered any people who faint. Other styles of Pranayama are purposely practiced sitting down because of the potential for lightheadedness or dizziness.

I hope that was useful!

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

Hi Andrew

That’s a great question. You really don’t need to consciously pull your tummy in. You see, when your arms move upward your whole torso stretches. It pulls on your abdomen and stretches it, the muscles the organs and skin all tighten within the space with the elongation. Don’t try to suck your tummy in on the inhale. Try instead to create more space in your chest and ribs and lungs for a deep breath (as per the video). You will find that you can suck in your tummy just as you are exhaling. That’s really it!

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂