“Focus on your breath.” If you’ve ever taken a yoga class or practiced a body scan meditation, you’ve surely heard this wisdom before—but why is it that intentional breathing is so important for wellness? Below, take a look at some of the ways that your breath can bring about healing both physically and emotionally.
Breath as Communication
Your breath is the language that your nervous system speaks, and it is your body’s way of communicating with you about where your “edge” exists in a movement. When you unconsciously start to shorten your breath, or when you feel like you have to push, pull, grasp, or hold your breath, it’s your body’s way of letting you know you’ve reached the “edge.” It is at this precipice that you can make an intentional change in the way you interact with your body. This, in turn, deepens your capacity to heal.
Posture and Breath
Two of the main nadi lines—the Ida and Pingala—start from the nostrils and travel up and down the spine. The Ida begins at the left nostril and the Pingala begins at the right, and together, they run alongside the central nadi line called the Sushumna. Their placement brings balance to the Sushumna; the feminine, cooling energy of the Ida interweaves at each chakra with the masculine, warming energy of the Pingala. This flow of energy creates balance in the spine and the body as a whole.
Bringing increased awareness to your breath can also increase the coordination between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is where the root chakra is located, and it directly communicates to the main nadi lines. Learn more about this connection here.
Breath and Emotion
You can recognize which nadi is dominant in a given moment by being aware of your emotions. As mentioned above, the Ida begins at the left nostril and is the cool, feminine, and introspective energy in the body, while the Pingala begins at the right nostril and is the solar, masculine energy. In moments of high stress, you can focus on your breathing to call upon the calming energy of the Ida. In moments of low passion, you can focus on your breathing to invite the invigorating energy of the Pingala. Regulating your emotions can be as simple and straightforward as a few slow, deep inhales and exhales.
The Nadi Ball Method
The Nadi Ball Method is a mix of guided stretching, strengthening, and massage that will empower you to supercharge your wellness. While you practice healthy movement, you will also become more attuned to your breathing and the flow of energy throughout your being.
Ready to begin your wellness journey? Channel the healing power of your breath by joining us for a live online class, or contact us today to learn more. We would love to speak with you.
Photo by Havilah Galaxy on Unsplash