/ Breathwork
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Breathwork can seem daunting when you are just starting out on your Kundalini journey. This basic breathwork session is the perfect practice for beginners and advanced students alike, and really helps to teach the connection to the breath and the emotions.
As you become more confident with the routine, try to take longer on each stage, but beginners should use the times suggested here.
Benefits of this Breathwork
- Boosts energy and balance
- Connects us to our emotions and sensations
- Reduces stress
- Increases brain function and concentration
- Strengthens abdominal muscles and boosts digestion
How to do this Breathwork
Begin this routine by sitting cross-legged, in Easy Pose or a similar comfortable position, and let’s get started.
Left Nostril Breath
Bring the right hand to the nose, using the thumb to close the right nostril while all the other fingers point straight up.
Close the eyes, bringing the focus to the Brow Point. The left hand is in Gyan Mudra with the tip of the index finger touching the tip of the thumb, resting on the knee with the arm straight.
Inhale and exhale only through the left nostril with long, yogic breaths. Keep this going for one to three minutes before inhaling and holding the breath for as long as is comfortable, then exhale and relax.
Right Nostril Breath
Swap hands so that the right hand is on the right knee in the Gyan Mudra, and the left hand comes to the nose, palm facing to the right with the thumb gently pressing the left nostril to close it. Remember to keep the other fingers of the left hand pointing directly upwards.
As before, begin again to take the long, deep, yogic breaths, filling every available part of the lungs, picturing the breath entering the body and filling it with light.
Inhale Left, Exhale Right
With the left hand in Gyan Mudra on the left knee, block the right nostril with the right thumb. Inhale deeply and fully through the left nostril.
Bend the hand into a “U” shape to allow the little finger to come up and block the left nostril, releasing the right nostril with the thumb.
Exhale completely in a long, slow breath. Then swap back to blocking the right nostril and begin the cycle again and continue for one to three minutes.
Inhale Right, Exhale Left
Following the previous exercise, swap the hands to use the left hand to direct the breath in through the right nostril, and out through the left for one to three minutes.
Breath of Fire
Bring both hands to the knees in the Gyan Mudra and begin a powerful Breath of Fire, inhaling and exhaling rapidly with no pause between the breaths, completing one to three cycles of breaths a second.
Continue for three to seven minutes before inhaling and holding for 10 to 60 seconds, then exhaling.
Now relax the breath and concentrate on the energy flowing around the body, noticing how different you feel from the start. Continue this for one to three minutes.
Meditation
In the same position, chant long “Sat Naam” for three to 15 minutes, meditating silently. Finally inhale, exhale, and relax.
Conclusion
This basic breathwork routine takes only 25 minutes but can give a big boost of energy and clarity. The perfect introduction to breathwork for anyone starting out on their Kundalini journey.
See more: Breathing Patterns and Emotional States — How Are They Connected?
