It is very beneficial to pay close attention to the breath and to learn to control it in various ways. Beneficial in terms of physical health and in your practice of yoga. Apparently, the breath, the mind and the body are so closely linked, that whatever you do to one will affect the other.

In yoga, it is important to learn how to use the correct patterns of breath in order to get the most out of your yogic endeavours. At all times, correct breath patterns are practiced and observed before meditation and asanas. Correct breathing alone, can relax your whole body, rid your body of unwanted toxins and rid your mind of anger, stress, tension and worry.

Do not risk harm by trying to perform these exercises without consulting a trained yoga teacher or without seeking medical advice from a doctor. You are urged to read the important note. A yoga teacher can teach an appropriate breathing pattern to suit your needs and your condition. To perform the pranayama and gain the most out of them, it is best to combine it with the two of the three holistic approaches, asanas and meditation.

helpful notes

Breathe in and out through your nose.

Clear any blocked nostril. If your left nostril is blocked, lie on your right side for a few minutes. Lie on your left side if your right nostril is blocked.

Never perform pranayam after asanas

If pranayam is to precede your asanas routine, set aside a time when you won't be interrupted.

The idea is to lead yourself to a relaxed state so do not force your breathing and never do it in haste.

 

food and drinks

There are no food restrictions to follow in order for you to start meditation, asanas and pranayama. The one reason you'll be getting in on any of it is to keep a healthy balance of your mind, body and spirit. It will be pretentious to try to achieve this balance if a would-be practitioner has no regard of what he eats.

Starting early on a new diet program makes a big difference.

Reduce your intake of alcohol, caffeine, sugar, cholesterol , sodium and processed and refined foods

Increase your intake of fiber sources, healthy alternatives, varied and balanced diet.

It is highly recommended to start and stay on a vegetarian diet.

special notes

For a more advanced technique, consult a yoga teacher or an acarya (spiritual teacher). Your acarya will teach the pranayama technique that will be most beneficial to your mental and physical health and prepare you to complement the pranayama with mantra and meditation. No one should risk harm by practicing these techniques without consulting a trained yoga teacher or a physician.