STOKE YOUR FIRE

Kapalabhati (known as rapid diaphragmatic breath or "shiny forehead") stokes the fire of the belly and supports oxygenation and circulation of the blood and abdominal organs. 

This breathing technique is essential for stimulating the power of the digestive fire and eng aging the lymphatic system of the belly and torso.

How to:

1) With eyes closed take a deep full breath from the belly up and then exhale.

2) Take similar deep breath but only go half way from the belly up and on then the exhale is a profound pulling of the naval towards the spine.

3) Repeat this action anywhere from 27 to 108 times. If you're a beginner, start out slow so that you can properly coordinate the belly muscles and breath together, then make your way up to the higher repetitions. 

4) Do three rounds of whatever number you choose. Stick with the number that feels right for your body and after a few weeks you can graduate up. I like to start some of my patients at 3 rounds of 27 and then increase after a few weeks to 3 rounds of 54 and then eventually 3 rounds of 108.

5) In between each round you can pause, take a breath, gently retain it for 7-12 seconds and then release.

Note: If you suffer from hypertension, hypotension, other cardiovascular issues, headaches, migraines, eye issues, glucose related issues please consult with your physician and/or other holistic healthcare provider. 

BOW POSE

DHANURASANA (BOW POSE)

This pose helps to reduce excess heat in the body as it works on the liver and abdominal cavity where digestion is key to our health and vitality.

INSTRUCTION:

1. Position yourself completely in a prone position (on your stomach completely flat).

2. As you exhale bend your knees towards the direction of your buttocks.

3. Reach around with both your hands to grasp your ankles (if possible).

4. Inhale and slowly lift the legs with the hands connected.

Hold this pose for 5-11 breaths or a minute if possible.

Your chin and neck should be in a neutral plane central to the shoulders and not over extending or lifting upward.

Note: if you're unable to perform this pose a simpler version would be to keep the legs down, positioning your palms beneath your shoulders with your elbows bent and with you slowly lifting up to where the majority of pressure is on the abdominal cavity. Make sure that you inhale when you lift up and exhale as you release down. Repeat this a few times and then hold for 30 - 60 seconds. This pose is called Cobra (Bhujangasana).