How To Breathe-A Book By Ashley Neese
“One of the first breathing practices I learned in my early yoga days was kapalabhati, or “skull-shining breath.” I found this practice difficult and intense but loved how it made me feel afterward. The Cleanse Breath is a modified version of the classic pranayama technique, and though it’s less intense on the system, it has similar effects and benefits.”
There are 25 breaths in Ashley’s book and this is one that I haven’t done as often as I would like. This is one of the more advanced breaths that she shares in this book. She also mentions that this breath practice is one that releases unwanted toxins from our bodies and uplifts our mind.
This Technique takes 5 minutes, sitting up.
- Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight and tall.
- Place your hands on your knees, palms facing up.
- Set your practice intention.
- Breathe in and out through the nose for one minute to settle in.
- Place one hand on your abdomen and open your eyes.
- Inhale deeply.
- As you exhale, gently contract your lower belly, releasing the breath through the nose in a short burst.
- As you release your abdomen, breath will flow into your lungs automatically.
- Take ten rounds of breaths in this manner.
- Relax, perhaps with your eyes closed, and notice the sensations in your body.
- Complete two more cycles of ten rounds of breath with a relaxing period afterward.
- Close your practice.
- Journal.
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~Lisa Bartels
Administrative Assistant/Peer Recovery Specialist