Ujjayi Breath (also known as Oceanic Breath and translated as “victorious breath”) is a breath technique to help release irritation and frustration, calm the mind and body, and provide a balancing influence on the entire cardiorespiratory system. It is both an energizing and stabilizing breath utilized to decompress rising energy and strengthen or raise energy for those who tend to operate in lower frequencies. The ujjayi breath encourages the flow of prana (life force), builds internal body heat, relieves tension, increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, regulates blood pressure, helps tone the vagus nerve thereby helping to reduce inflammation, detoxifies mind and body, increases feelings of presence and self-awareness, and establishes a rhythmic pattern for moving through a yoga practice. If this is new to you, you may wish to view the video above (Learn Ujjayi Breath) first.
Prana as it relates to the pathways of life force, is considered the energy of the head and is gathered from the heavens, or the energy above you. PRANA vayu is responsible for the INTAKE.
It moves downward and inward, providing the basic energy that drives us in life. It is primarily located in the head, lungs and heart. Imbalances in Prana flow can show up as anxiety, fear, anger (head); breathlessness, asthma, sleep apnea (lungs); heart palpitations or stroke (heart).
Apana as it relates to the pathways of life force, is considered downward energy and is gathered into the lower abdomen and base of the spine and carried down through the legs to connect to earth’s core. APANA vayu is responsible for elimination. It moves down and out and also helps retain things in. It is primarily located in the lower abdomen and is associated with functions of elimination, reproduction and bone health (regulating the absorption and retaining of minerals). Imbalances in Apana flow can show up as constipation/diarrhea; IBS; menstrual problems, sexual issues; bone density issues. A daily practice of gathering these two life forces helps sustain our energies from the two great sources above and below us, helping to support us both physically and mentally.
This video explains and demonstrates Prana and Apana building breathing. Additional written information is available here. If you are already familiar with Prana and Apana, you may wish to skip to the next video.
This series of videos shows the 5 primary movements of the spine taken from different positions - from standing, seated in a chair, seated on the floor, hands and knees, and reclined (lying on the back). This allows you to keep your back feeling good in the way that is most comfortable for you.
This video incorporates all 5 primary movements of the spine, taken from a standing position. If you have difficulty getting up and down from the floor, this is a great short routine for you to try.
This video incorporates all 5 primary movements of the spine, taken from a seated position in a chair. If you have difficulty getting up and down from the floor, or taking any movement while standing, this is a great routine for you to try.
This video incorporates the 5 primary movements of the spine, taken from a kneeling position and from hands and knees. It also adds Sphinx Pose. If you are comfortable and can move easily from these positions, this is a good video for you to try.
This video incorporates the 5 primary movements of the spine, taken from a seated position on the floor or on a bolster. If you are comfortable seated this way, this is a good video for you to try.
Prana as it relates to the pathways of life force, is considered the energy of the head and is gathered from the heavens, or the energy above you.
PRANA vayu is responsible for the INTAKE. It moves downward and inward, providing the basic energy that drives us in life. It is primarily located in the head, lungs and heart. Imbalances in Prana flow can show up as anxiety, fear, anger (head); breathlessness, asthma, sleep apnea (lungs); heart palpitations or stroke (heart).
Apana as it relates to the pathways of life force, is considered downward energy and is gathered into the lower abdomen and base of the spine and carried down through the legs to connect to earth’s core. APANA vayu is responsible for elimination. It moves down and out and also helps retain things in. It is primarily located in the lower abdomen and is associated with functions of elimination, reproduction and bone health (regulating the absorption and retaining of minerals). Imbalances in Apana flow can show up as constipation/diarrhea; IBS; menstrual problems, sexual issues; bone density issues. A daily practice of gathering these two life forces helps sustain our energies from the two great sources above and below us, helping to support us both physically and mentally.
If you are unfamiliar with Prana and Apana building breath, you may wish to watch the previous video first.
This video incorporates all 5 primary movements of the spine, taken from a reclined (lying on your back) position. It also adds Bridge Pose for additional back extension. If you have no trouble getting up and down from a lying position on the floor, this is a good video for you to try.
Here are 5 simple and quick routines that will keep your back feeling healthy. Movements are taken from a variety of positions and each video adds some new movements or poses.
This video begins in Child's Pose and incorporates all 5 primary movements of the spine from a combination of kneeling and reclined positions. It also adds Poster Girl Pose.
These two categories of breath are related to bleeding off energy associated with physical movement while supporting and addressing the feel of the subtle body. Upward Pranic Momentum Breath is when you bleed energy off in an upward direction. Downward Pranic Momentum Breath is when you bleed energy off in a downward direction.
This video begins in a standing position and incorporates all 5 primary movements of the spine from standing, kneeling, and reclined positions. It also adds movement from Child's Pose to Modified Plank Pose, and adds Seal Pose.
This video explains and demonstrates one version of the "Attending the Spine" sequences we often do in our full yoga classes. If you do not need the full explanation of these movements, choose the next video instead. It runs through the same sequence more quickly because it does not include as much explanatory detail.
This video shows one of the many Attending the Spine sequences we use in our yoga classes. It is the same sequence as the video above, but with less explanation.
Detailed Explanations of the 5 Primary Movements of the Spine
These videos explain and demonstrate each of the 5 primary movements of the spine in greater detail. They show how each movement can be taken from a variety of different positions. These are not routines for you to practice, but instead offer more guidance about these movements.
This video explains the primary movements of Back Flexion and Back Extension, using the poses of Cat and Cow taking from standing, seated, hands and knees (table top), and reclined positions. You do not need to take these movements from all positions, rather, choose what works best for you.
This video further explains Back Extension and demonstrates Sphinx Pose from a prone position and Bridge Pose from a reclined position. Please try these movements only if you are comfortable with the Cat and Cow Poses shown in the previous video.
This video explains Hip Circles and demonstrates the movement from standing, seated, and on the floor. You do not need to take the movements from all positions, rather, choose what works best for you.
