Pranayama - yogic breath

Alternate Nostril Breath or Nadi Shodhana is one of the most basic and common yoga breathing exercises. It is mentioned in a number of Hatha Yoga texts – such as Vasishtha Samhita – as prana shuddhi, a preliminary exercise to cleanse the life force channels. Life force, called prana in Sanskrit (chi or qi in Chinese), is said to be the organising force that creates order – and good health – in the physical body.

Breathing techniques have been studied for thousands of years, yet in modern society most people are not aware of their breath unless they have breathing problems or have to run up a flight of stairs. In yoga, the study and practice of breath – pranayama – is essential for boosting health and plumbing the depths of our being. more…

Stress is a natural condition of life – any change in our external or internal environment creates a need for the body to balance the effects of that change.

Stress creates the opportunity for growth – physically and mentally. The important point is that periods of stress must be followed by periods of recovery for growth to occur – otherwise, instead, there is damage or burnout. This is the principle that is used in world-class athletic training – and can be applied to all aspects of life. more…