Bellows Breathing Exercise
This breathing exercise is also known as the Breath of Fire. Excellent breathing exercise choice when you need a quick energy boost. This exercise also calms the mind and can help relax you. Yoga practitioners also claim that this breathing exercise improves digestion and eliminates disease.
Start with clearing your nose of any blockages or mucus. Sit comfortably with a straight back. Close your mouth and connect your tongue to the roof of your pallet. Place your hands on your stomach so you can feel your stomach muscles expand and contract with each breath. Begin breathing in and out of your nose forcefully and as rapidly as possible for 12 breaths, ending with a long deep inhale and exhale. Rest breathing normally and repeat. Complete 7 cycles of bellows breathing.
This exercise is commonly practiced upon rising in the morning and one or two times during the day for an energy boost. Do not practice too close to bedtime as you may experience difficulty falling asleep.
Caution! This exercise may make you feel dizzy. Only complete as many rounds as you are comfortable with, increasing your repetitions over time. Not suggested if you are pregnant, have uncontrolled hypertension, epilepsy, seizures, or panic disorder.