Pranayama Series
Strengthens:
Shoulders
Deltoids
Stretches:
Intercostal muscles – ribcage
Shoulder joints
Scapula
Ocular nerve
Stimulates:
Lungs
Nervous System
Circulatory System
Benefits:
Increases lung capacity.
Increases lung efficiency.
Opens the shoulders.
Wakes up the body for class.
What is happening in the posture:
This energizing breathing exercise can fill your lungs with up to six times more oxygen than a regular breath. Since oxygen is a major source of energy for the body, it is not usual to feel dizzy in the standing deep breathing. Through compression of the throat, the velocity of air entering the lungs is increased to shoot air into the lower lobes of the lungs. While your arms lift to the ceiling the ribcage opens, maximizing the inhale. Because this breath is up to six times deeper than a regular breath, it increases lung capacity while giving you quick energy.
The exhale breath detoxifies the lungs deeply. When stagnant air is pushed from the bottom of the lungs it causes a release of cellular and metabolic waste from the respiratory system. As the eyes look back to see the back wall, the ocular nerve is stimulated. With the head tilted back, the upper spine opens helping to prepare the neck for backward bending. Overall, the body is energized and the circulatory and nervous systems are stimulated, invigorating the body for class.
