Allergies can produce itchy, watery eyes, congestion and sinus issues. However, by incorporating yoga breath work into your daily routine you can help alleviate annoying allergy symptoms. Allergy sufferers will find relief when they practice yoga breath work on a daily basis. Allergens will be cleared from nasal passages and allergy symptoms will be greatly reduced. When exhaling old breath from the bottom of the lungs, your bodies will get rid of accumulated toxins built up in lungs. Asthma sufferers can also greatly benefit from the practice of yoga breath work.
Instructions
1. Sit on mat or sit on chair. Raise hands above head and inhale the nostrils. Hold the breath for the count of three (keep hands raised over head). Exhale slowly to the count of six while you release your hands to your side. Make a whisper sound in the back of your throat, but do not open your mouth. Repeat this warm up breath four to six times.
2. Place your thumb over your right nostril and inhale deeply through your left nostril to the count of three. Take your pinkie finger and pinch your left nostril and hold the breath for three counts. Release your thumb from your right nostril and inhale to the count of three. Inhale through the right nostril to the count of four and then pinch your thumb over your right nostril. Hold breath to the count of three. Release pinkie finger from left nostril and exhale to the count of three. Repeat four to six sets on each side of nostril.
3. Sit with your back and spine straight. Place your hands to your side (palms facing to the sky) or place both hands on top of your stomach. Inhale and exhale quickly like you are panting. Breathe through your nostrils in quick, forced breaths. Feel the rise and fall of your stomach as you pant quickly (if you place your hands on your stomach). Breathe in and out through nostrils at ten to twenty times. After completing first set, inhale deeply through the nose and exhale deeply through the nose. Repeat two to four sets.
4. Close your eyes and inhale slowly to the count of six and exhale slowly to the count of six through the nostrils. Raise above your head as you inhale naturally through your nostrils and then release your hands to your sides as you exhale naturally through the nostrils.
5. Complete your breath work practice by bringing your palms together at heart center with the word: Namaste (which ends the yoga breath work practice).
Tags: breath work, count three, , your hands, deeply through