Tera Warner

Raw Mom Aches & Pains? BREATHE!

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– by Althea Hughes Wills

When we moms get stressed out, the first thing to go is our breath. When our breath becomes shallow, clear thinking goes out the window. Practice these yogic breaths to help calm your nerves and relax you: Long Deep Breathing, Left Nostril Breathing, and Right Nostril Breathing.

Long Deep Breathing

This breath calms the mind and emotions. Lie down on your back. Place a thin book on your belly. Breathe through your nose. On your inhalation, fill your belly up as if you are pregnant. Push the book up to the ceiling. Exhale, relax your belly and bring the book down. Continue for 3 to 11 minutes. Inhale good things, and exhale (a.k.a release) negative emotions.

Long Deep Breathing Inhale

  • Health
  • Strength
  • Energy
  • Faith
  • Peace

 

Exhale

  • Disease
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Fear
  • Tension

 

Left Nostril Breathing

This breath, also known as “moon breath,” relaxes the parasympathetic nervous system. Use it to relax and sleep. Sit up straight. Shoulders down. Use the thumb of the right hand to close off the right nostril. Close your mouth. Inhale and exhale through your left nostril for 3-11 minutes.

Right Nostril Breathing

This is known as the “sun breath.” Use this one to wake up and for added energy. Sit up straight. Shoulders down. Use the thumb of the left hand to close off the left nostril. Close your mouth. Inhale and exhale through your right nostril for 3-11 minutes.

Does all this really work? I’ve been asked that question many times during my 11-year tenure as a Kundalini, Ansusara, and Pre-Natal yoga teacher. The answer is “yes!” But experience is the best teacher. So try these 3 breaths for yourself!

References:
Kundalini YogaYoga Books)

B.K.S Iyengar Yoga the Path to Holistic Health

Ashtanga Yoga for Women: Invigorating Mind, Body, and Spirit with Power YogaHealthy Living Books)