Thursday, September 20, 2012

Pranayama and Breathing Exercises: Lamaze During Pregnancy


Correct breathing during pregnancy is exceedingly important, so as to ensure that your baby is receiving adequate amounts of oxygen and consequently all the essential nutrients. What’s more, deep breathing exercises will also help allay stress and anxiety associated with pregnancy.
 Breath, life and energy are intrinsically connected; and yogis call all the three Prana. Pranayama is a breathing technique wherein the breath is controlled; and this enhances vitality improves metal focus and expands consciousness. 

Pranayama Banishes
Stress and Anxiety
Deep Breathing Exercises: Lamaze Breathing

Breathing is deeply connected to our mind. Just as our breathing alters depending upon our mood, our psychological state can be altered by changes in our breath.
Conscious breathing provides oxygen and energy to the cells and augments cellular processes.

It perks up energy levels and enhances your mood appreciably. And, you breathe better; you feel better.

Breathing Techniques: Yoga Breathing Exercises

Pranayama proffers excellent and far reaching health benefits during pregnancy. The practice of Pranayama calms emotions; relieves, anger, anxiety, apprehension and stress; and helps to reconnect with our own being.
It is of particular use for those who have trouble sleeping; breathing correctly balances the mind and makes you feel tranquil. It boosts the ability to use the lungs fully and brings oxygen to all the cells of the body.

Regular and sustained practice greatly increases the sense of physical as well as psychological well being.


Deep Breathing Exercises Offer
Significant Health Benefits

 Breathing Exercises for Anxiety during Pregnancy

Bhramari or the Humming Bee Breath

  • Sit comfortably on the floor or on a chair. Ideally, you should sit on the floor and bend your knees in front of you. Rest your elbows on the knees and close the small flaps in the front of your ears with your thumbs. Relax your shoulders. Close your eyes with the fingers.
  • Slowly inhale; when you exhale make a humming sound.
  • Focus on the humming sound and feel the vibrations in your head, face, neck, spne, chest, abdomen, torso and limbs.
  • 10 rounds are recommended.
  • After you have finished the session, sit quietly, keeping your eyes closed, for about 5 minutes. You will feel the vibrations pulsing through your body, calming and stilling you, dispelling all anxiety and worry.
Breathing Exercises for Stress during Pregnancy

Samvritti Pranayama or the Equal Breath 

  • Lie down comfortably on a mat. Breathe normally and become aware of your breath.
  • Incorporate a mental count, such that the inhalation as well as the exhalation is equal.
  • When you inhale count 4; when you exhale count 4. Practice this for five rounds.
  • Gradually increase your counts to 5; and you can go right up to 10. However, do not attempt this on the very first day of your practice. Build up to 10 after about a week of sustained practice of Pranayama. Also, in case you feel that the lengthened breathing is causing you stress, drop to a number that does not give you tension.
  • Whilst performing this breathing exercise, you must focus on your body as well; relax all the muscles of the body.
  • When you want to end the session, slowly come out of it and set your intention to keep a thread of connection with this relaxation as you continue your day.

No comments:

Post a Comment