To practice alternate nostril breathing, sit with your hips elevated above your knees you can use a blanket, yoga block, or meditation pillow to prop yourself up. What a wonderful way to activate the chakras! Spiritually, this form of breath work circulates the life force energy (prana) that resides in the breath all throughout your body. In Sankrit, this method of breath work is called “Nadi Shodhana,” which translate to “subtle energy clearing breathing technique.” Scientifically, alternate nostril breathing activates and harmonizes the left and right sides of the brain and clears debris like pollen, dust, and microscopic pollutants from the lungs. Alternate Nostril Breathing Pranayama Alternate Nostril Breathing PranayamaĪlternate nostril breathing is by far one of the best ways to open and clear the energy pathways in your body. Take 10 breaths before exiting the pose and coming to a seated position. Breathe smoothly and at your natural rhythm. Close your eyes and place your hands gently by your side or palm-down on your lower belly. Walk your feet out slightly and prop your knees together.

Bend your knees to a 45-degree angle and keep your feet within the frame of your body. To get into the pose, lie on your yoga mat on your back. Constructive rest is cooling and softens the organs in the lower belly and abdomen, which is a wonderful way to begin any practice. This pose centers your mind and brings a gentle relaxation to your body. Constructive Rest Constructive Restīegin your yoga practice in constructive rest. That way, you can lift it up and down easily while transitioning between poses, and still get the relaxing darkness in all of the poses. One trick from restorative yoga is to take an ace bandage or silk cloth and wrap it over your head. Covering your eyes with an eye pillow is nice, but it puts pressure on your eye sockets, which can prevent the body from entering rest and relaxation fully. You may also want a yoga strap, bolster, and blindfold. The quietness will allow repressed thoughts and feelings to arise so they can be released.Īt a minimum you will need two thick folded blankets and two yoga blocks for this practice. Some people like to put on gentle music to begin the practice, but overall it is better to practice in quiet so the music does not steer your space emotionally or creatively. It is helpful to practice in a quiet space that feels safe and comfortable. Poses in yin yoga are held for a longer period so that you can sink into the pose mentally and physically and experience a deep release. One of the best things you can do before practicing yin yoga is gather your yoga props. Wearing A Blindfold & Other Helpful Yin Yoga Props Wearing A Blindfold & Other Helpful Yin Yoga Props Below is a custom yin yoga sequence that will help balance and align your chakras. One of the best ways to work with the chakras is through gentle yin yoga, meditation, and pranayama.

Working with the chakras can be very fun and relaxing, and it can bring a new sense of purpose to your goals, relationships, visions, and dreams. Balancing and aligning your chakras should be a daily practice, as each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.

If your chakras are out of balance, it can manifest in various ways depending on which energy center needs attention. When all 7 chakras are in balance, you will feel vital, safe, inspired, and tuned in to your natural potential. In English, the Sanskrit word “chakra” means “wheel.” Each chakra is like a spinning wheel of energy that represents a different element of life and being.

There are thousands of chakras on your body and in your energy field, but most people are familiar with the 7 main chakras that stem from your sacrum to the top of your head.

Yin yoga sequence printable