Breathing exercises credited as taught by Swami Ramdev may help you stay in good health and reduce aliments. People may not agree upon the exact reasons for doing the individual exercises, but breathing exercises are done as part of yoga and Ayurveda for detoxification, relaxation and for living a longer life.
Bhastrika Breathing Exercise
Bhastrika is one of the Ramdev breathing exercises. This is a simple exercise without any special pattern or coordination. To perform this exercise, sit in a comfortable cross-legged position with your forearms resting on your thighs. You can do half lotus pose if you are familiar or sit Indian style. Begin by taking a deep inhalation through your nose, filling your abdomen, lungs and upper chest. Take in as much air as you can to stretch your diaphragm and lungs to full capacity. Even though you want to inhale as much as you can, do not force yourself past the point of comfort. Exhale out your nostrils completely, contracting your abdomen to fully expel all the air from your abdomen to your chest.
Kapalbhati Breathing Exercise
Kapalbhati, or Kapal Bhati, is another breathing exercise, though the emphasis is on the exhalation. Your abdominal muscles will feel this exercise and may even tire quickly. To perform this exercise, sit up straight on the floor or a cushion with your legs crossed in front of you. Breathe in through your nose and then fully contract your abdomen to force all the air out your nose with a quick contraction.
Bharamari Breathing Exercise
Bharamari, or Bhramari, is a slightly different breathing exercise that uses your hands to close your ears as you close your eyes. Not only should you close off your hearing and vision, but you will make a humming noise as you exhale to bring your attention to your throat and breath. When doing Bharamari, use your thumbs to shut your ears and place your index, middle and ring fingers on your forehead. Breathe in through your nose and then exhale back out through your nose. Make a deep humming noise in your throat as you breathe out but imagine that the noise vibrates throughout your body.
Udgeeth Breathing Exercise
The Udgeeth breathing exercise should feel relaxing. The sacred sound of "Om" is incorporated into this exercise. To perform Udgeeth, breathe in through your nose deeply and then breathe out through your mouth and say "Om." You can sit comfortably with your hands resting palms up on your knees.
