Deep breathing with Balasana
Deep breathing exercises are an integral feature of any yoga session. No yoga session can be complete without the practice of pranayamas or yoga breathing exercises, of which the deep breathing ones are most commonly used. The baby poses or Balasana, which is one of the simplest asanas (poses), is just one example of an asana that is routinely practiced with the deep breathing exercises.
This peculiar feature of yoga that involves a combination of physical exercise with breath control makes it all the more potent and wholesome. In your practice of a deep breathing exercise, you begin by filling the lower portion of the lungs first, followed by the middle, and lastly the upper part. Likewise, whilst exhaling you empty the upper part first, followed by the middle and lastly the lower portion of the lungs. Although when explained it may seem to be in stages, it is a single action and is not divided. Inhalation is supposed to occur in a smooth and continuous flow. It occurs in a sequence with the lower, then middle, and then upper portions getting filled, but is an uninterrupted process. Do this slowly, concentrating on your breath, but very relaxed. There should be no strain or effort as it is important that this is very natural. Do not breathe through your mouth and make sure to keep it closed.
The Child Pose or Balasana is one of the most basic yoga poses and is a forward bend. This is a popular resting pose for most yogis, as it helps focus and keeps your attention drawn inward and is a restorative pose. For the same reason it is also great for practice in synchronization with deep breathing exercises. Here’s how you can practice the Baby Pose with synchronized deep breathing exercises.
Assume a seated position, kneeling on the floor, squatted over the heels. The heels should be making contact with each other.
This peculiar feature of yoga that involves a combination of physical exercise with breath control makes it all the more potent and wholesome. In your practice of a deep breathing exercise, you begin by filling the lower portion of the lungs first, followed by the middle, and lastly the upper part. Likewise, whilst exhaling you empty the upper part first, followed by the middle and lastly the lower portion of the lungs. Although when explained it may seem to be in stages, it is a single action and is not divided. Inhalation is supposed to occur in a smooth and continuous flow. It occurs in a sequence with the lower, then middle, and then upper portions getting filled, but is an uninterrupted process. Do this slowly, concentrating on your breath, but very relaxed. There should be no strain or effort as it is important that this is very natural. Do not breathe through your mouth and make sure to keep it closed.
The Child Pose or Balasana is one of the most basic yoga poses and is a forward bend. This is a popular resting pose for most yogis, as it helps focus and keeps your attention drawn inward and is a restorative pose. For the same reason it is also great for practice in synchronization with deep breathing exercises. Here’s how you can practice the Baby Pose with synchronized deep breathing exercises.
Assume a seated position, kneeling on the floor, squatted over the heels. The heels should be making contact with each other.
- After this separate the knees, so that they are as wide apart as the hips.
- Inhale slow and steadily and then exhale as you bend forward brining your chest over the thighs. Your forehead should come to rest on your yoga mat if possible.
- Allow your hands to come to rest beside your torso, with the palms facing upwards.
- Maintain this posture for around half a minute or more, but try to stay relaxed and practice deep breathing all this time.
