Inhale energy, exhale fatigue
Inhale energy, exhale fatigue
Energy is the essence of life. Matter and energy are, in fact, the building blocks of the universe. Energy also helps us determine how we perceive people.
For example, we say someone has good or positive energy or that someone gives out bad energy or negative vibes.
Lax lifestyle
In today's world, there is a general lack of energy. Whether it's at the workplace or at home, we find ourselves drained at all times.
A combination of factors — lack of sleep, bad eating habits, long hours of work and others stresses such as relationship problems and financial insecurity — are responsible for this.
Now that we have seen some of the reasons for low energy levels, let's understand energy from the point of view of yoga.
Prana is understood as the life force that drives us. And this is maintained and enhanced through the yogic practices of pran-ayama, literally “expansion of life energy''.
All ancient health and alternate-medical therapies are based on the rebalancing and rejuvenation of prana or Chi, the Chinese equivalent.
Given below are yogic practices especially helpful for re-energising the self:
Yogasanas
The most important asana is the Surya Namaskar. However, since we have explained this asana in the past, you can look up the archives or visit www.artistciyoga.com for instructions.
Ushtrasana
All asanas that create an extension of the solar plexus (located around the navel of the body) or the manipura chakra (in yogic terminology) contribute to generating energy in the human body.
- Kneel and place hands on hips.
- Gradually extend arms behind back and place palms on heels.
- Stretch abdomen outwards and breathe normally. Hold position for as long as comfortable.
- Return to kneeling position. Bend forward to soothe back.
Contraindications: People suffering from severe backache need to consult a yoga teacher before trying the pose.
Pranayama
Anulom-vilom pranayama is done to balance the physical and mental energies of an individual and is one of the most beneficial of all breathing techniques.
- Sit straight, either on floor or against chair.
- Draw in index and middle fingers of right hand.
- Block right nostril with thumb and slowly inhale through left nostril.
- Close both nostrils and hold breath.
- Release thumb and exhale through right nostril.
- Now repeat in other direction — inhale through right nostril; hold breath and exhale through left nostril.
- This completes one round. Practise about 5-10 rounds.
Contraindication: If you have high blood pressure, avoid the part of the technique where you hold your breath.
Maha bandha
This is a neuromuscular lock to maintain the balance of hormonal levels in the body.
- Sit straight.
- Exhale deeply and contract and raise anal space upwards. (This helps control the secretion of the sex hormones oestrogen and testosterone in women and men respectively.)
- Contract stomach. (This affects the adrenal gland and controls adrenalin secretion.)
- Press chin against chest. (This affects the thyroid gland and controls thyroxin secretion.)
- Hold as long as comfortable and release all three locks. Inhale.
- Practise 3 times.
Contraindications: Do not practise for too long if you have high blood pressure.
Meditation
Yogic meditation techniques balance the chakras or the energy centres along the spinal column. The proper balancing of these chakras leads to high energy levels.
Simple visualising techniques, such as sitting with your eyes closed, breathing slowly and visualising sunrise or a flower, can be practised and as you become used to meditating, detailed techniques can be introduced.
Always seek guidance from a qualified yoga teacher before trying out any of these techniques.
— Bharat Thakur is the founder of Bharat Thakur's Artistic Yoga. For questions on yoga, write to dubai.artisticyoga
@gmail.com. For more information, log on to www.bharatthakur.com To watch these asanas, log on to www.gulfnews.com/gntv
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