Striving4Zen

BEFORE WE START

(1) Take your index finger and put it underneath
your nose like this:
http://www.yogabodynaturals.com/yoga-breathing-101

(2) Exhale through your nose quickly a few times.

(3) Notice which nostril is MORE open (more air comes
out).

RIGHT NOSTRIL DOMINANCE* is associated with the left
brain activity and is conducive for active states like working,
eating, exercising, etc.

LEFT NOSTRIL DOMINANCE* is associated with the right
brain activity and is conducive for meditative states, relaxation,
sleep, and creativity.

HOW NOSTRIL PREFERENCE WORKS

As your brain activity changes throughout the day, so
does your dominant nostril. And simply sticking your
finger under your nose is the easiest way to get an instant
read on where your head is at.

When you're super hungry, for example, you'll almost
always be in your right nostril.

When you're about to fall asleep, almost always it'll
be your left (and if you're not, you should get there...
more on how to do that later).

Naturally, your body will switch every 90-120 minutes
(there's no rule on this). So our breath tells us which side
of our brain is most active; and the cool thing is that we
can turn around and use the breath, control the breath, 
to influence our brain.

It really does work.

This is why people get so excited about pranayama,
or yoga breathing. It's a very powerful tool for "mind
control."

Labels: breathe, breathing deeply, pranayama, yoga

"Anyone who practices yoga, meditation or chi gung knows that breathing quiets the mind and soothes and calms the nervous system," Dr. Brown explains. "The Sudarshan Kriya not only helps calm down the stress response system—which is what antidepressants do—it also activates the recharging, healing part of the system."

The Kriya has been shown to lower levels of cortisol, a hormone released when the body is under stress. High levels of cortisol in the body have been linked to depression, memory loss, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

"The longer one practices the Kriya," Dr. Brown says, "the more your psychological and physical health will increase." AOL teachers do stress, however, that the Kriya is too powerful to attempt without formal instruction. "When it's done correctly, chances are you will benefit enormously," Dr. Brown says. "But if done incorrectly, you can experience dizziness, disorientation and confusion."

Source

Labels: breathing deeply, cortisol, Dr. Brown, living holistically, meditation, stress, Sudarshan Kriya

There are numerous methods that can be used to help detoxify your body, varying in cost, time and efficacy.
The treatments below can be incorporated into your daily life. They all work to support your body's natural detoxification systems, namely your digestive system, liver, kidneys, lungs and skin.
- Stimulate blood flow through your organs of elimination. Constitutional hydrotherapy treatments increase blood flow through your liver and kidneys, enhancing their filtering effects.
- Increase toxin elimination through the skin. Use a sauna regularly to increase how much, how often, and how deeply you sweat.
- Give your lungs some extra support. By practicing deep breathing exercises you can greatly enhance this vital detoxification mechanism.
- Stimulate lymphatic flow. Dry skin brushing and exercise are two of the only ways to increase the flow of the lymphatic system, your body's garbage collector.
- Maintain optimal levels of beneficial intestinal flora. The best ways to accomplish this are by incorporating fermented foods, such as natto or natural kefir into your diet.

Labels: breathing deeply, detox, dry brush, exercise, fermented, sauna

Most of us unconsciously breathe in a shallow way, not fully exhaling all of the carbon dioxide from our bodies. As a result, we don’t benefit from being fully oxygenated.
In the next 24 hours, try this breathing technique: From your abdomen, breathe-in through your nose and out through your mouth, for 10 seconds each time. Practicing 10 minutes a day, even when not feeling stressed, can improve relaxation responses.
Although it seems like a small thing, deep breathing is pretty important.
Always consult a physician before starting any exercise routine.
Thanks!

Labels: breathing deeply, meditation, stress