Move
15-Apr-2010
Adore Those Adrenals
Cannon-fire Breath
Probably the most abused part of the American body are the adrenal glands. Sitting atop the kidneys, the adrenals are intended to kick on in times of trouble, giving you the extra oomph you need to get out of stressful, life-or-death situations. Today, the adrenals are rarely allowed to rest, turning on when you drink a soda or eat complex carbohydrates, and then again in order to overcome the energy lag afterward.
Adjusting the diet and reducing stress are both essential to good adrenal health. One way to massage those glands into relaxation is a quick breathing exercise. Make an “O” of your mouth and fire your exhale out like a cannon. Quickly inhale and fire out again, drawing the navel toward the spine as you exhale. Repeat this process for 3 minutes. Your mouth will get dry and the taste may become unpleasant, but that’s just evidence of a cleansing. Allow a rhythm to take over and pretty soon the breath will be a lullaby, singing your adrenal glands to a much-needed sleep.
Recommended DVD: Breathe: Kundalini Yoga with Harijiwan
Is the breath in through the nose or mouth?
Ardas, The breath can be done either way. When inhaling through the nose, the breath is more methodical and the exhale more powerful. When inhaling through the mouth, it is done quickly, like breath of fire, except the emphasis is on the exhale.
Is it meant to be done quickly? And for 3 minutes, because I become very light-headed and dizzy after 30 seconds!
It is meant to be done quickly, and yes, you will get a little light-headed. That is perfectly natural. But trust the process.
Start for just a minute and check in with yourself. Increase times as you see fit.
Complex carbohydrates? I thought they were the good guys and simple carbs were the ones we should cut down on? Please check this.
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I'll try it, sounds great!