Indian excercising: Breath of fresh air
Bharat Thakur guides you through practices that will connect you to the wisdon of ancient Indian science of exercising
Breath is life. Breathing fresh air is the key to good health. These days the weather in Dubai is pleasant and it would be a great idea to spend time outdoors on a regular basis. Fresh air also cleans the lungs.
Practise Yoga before going out for a jog or a workout. This will boost the supply of oxygen to our cells, which in turn, increases energy levels. Yoga also slows down the ageing process, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning. The following yoga postures and deep-breathing exercises increase flexibility and improve blood circulation.
Tadasana
- Stand with feet apart and arms. Keep arms at side.
- Inhale and raise arms until the palms touch each other over the head.
- The arms must be held straight.
- Hold the position for a few seconds.
- Exhale and return to starting position.
- Repeat for a few times. Relax.
Moordhasana
- Stand with feet apart.
- Bend at the hips and place hands in front of the feet.
- Place the crown of the head on the ground, between the hands.
- Raise arms and clasp hands behind the back.
- Maintain this pose for a few breaths.
- Raise the head and return to starting position.
- Rest, then repeat two to three times.
Tiryaka Tadasana
- Stand with the feet about half a metre apart and the arms by the sides.
- Inhale deeply while raising the arms to shoulder level. Exhale and twist the body to the left.
- Bring the right hand to the left shoulder and wrap the left arm around the back.
- Bring the left hand around the right side of the waist. Look over the left shoulder as far as possible.
- Inhale and return to the starting position.
- Repeat on the other side. This is one round.
- Repeat eight times.
Deep-breathing techniques
Nadi shodhana pranayama
- Sit with the spine straight .
- Close the right nostril with thumb.
- Inhale through left nostril and close it with the ring and little fingers.
- Release thumb and exhale through the right nostril.
- Inhale through the right nostril. Close it and exhale slowly through the left. This is one round.
- Repeat five to eight times.
Kapalbhati Pranayama
- Sit comfortably with the spine straight.
- Inhale deeply to expand the abdominal muscles. Exhale forcefully, expelling air from the lungs and quickly contracting the abdominal muscles.
- Inhale deeply. Unlike exhalation, inhaling does not involve force. Just relax and fill the lungs with air.
- After completing 15 quick exhalations and inhalations, inhale and exhale deeply. This is one round.
