Controlled breathing for mental and physical benefits

Posted on by alysontyler
Frog statues in yoga positions

Sometimes people say to me "Why do you teach people how to breathe in yoga? Surely everyone knows how to breathe?" The issue is not that we don't know how to breathe but that we may not be breathing in a helpful way. Learning and practising different controlled breathing (pranayama) techniques can bring physical and … Continue reading Controlled breathing for mental and physical benefits

Sitkari – a cooling pranayama for hot days

Posted on by alysontyler

It doesn't happen often, but sometimes we have lovely hot sunny days when it's the perfect occasion to practice one of the more unusual pranayama breathing techniques - sitkari (hissing breath). It is said that sitkari cools the body and that in moderate heat 10 to 15 rounds are sufficient. Sit comfortably, hands and shoulders … Continue reading Sitkari – a cooling pranayama for hot days