February 06, 2006
3 Levels of Dharana + Kapalabhati vs. Ujjayi explanation
"Your mouth is for eating. Your nose is for breathing."
- B.K.S. Iyengar
above; here i am working a few Kapalabhati rounds to 'stoke up' the 'agni' or the inner fire. Knowing the basic HP Yoga� pranayams is critical for destroying Kapha (thick, heavy, sluggish, phlegmy) tendencies within the body and mind. Knowing the few basic Breaths that are taught in the study of Wholistic Fitness� keeps the body light, supple, strong, and extremely immune to afflictions of the common, non-Practitioner. when coupled with the SUNRIDER herbs - the official whole food nutrition of WF since 1983 - this cellularly clean, physiologically healthy, and spiritually energetic body carries a peaceful mindstream (see DL below) which makes the yogin enthusiastic for Inner Work instead of being confused and turned outward toward the entertainments of mud-minded society. photo by Ananda.
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STUDENT:
The Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath) feels sorta similar to Ujjayi (Victorious Breath)- how would you describe the
differences?
COACH:
Kapalabhati is concerned ONLY with the EXHALE.
after a moderate nasal inhale...
release between a THIRD to a HALF of your exhale,
then "CHOP UP" - or interrupt - the remaining EXHALE
as prescribed in your Online Program...
sometimes i will prescribe Kapalabhati x 3....so, "chop up" the remaining EXHALE with 3 interuptions,
just like you are chopping wood...except you are chopping the exhale without inhaling.
if i prescribe Kapa x 7, or Kapa x 21...then you know that is a more difficult prescription since you will have to really chop up the EXHALE into those short squirts of exhalation remnants...
by that final expulsion, there should be ZERO air in your lungs!
Ujjayi on the other hand, is the Master of EVENESS...smooth, even inhales and exhales using a Darth Varder type of breath at the back of the throat. Ujjayi is your Bread and Butter Breath...Ujjayi is your main Asana compatriot. Kapa is a laser tool that sharpens, intensifies the Pran and cuts through restrictions.
The yogi who is not Practicing Pranayam (Breath Management) is not a yogi.
Yoga, on a fundamental Level, harnesses the Body and Mind together via Conscious Breathing. That is First Base. Focusing your mind on the breath and allowing that breath to Teach you about your body.
This focusing of mind is known as "Dharana" or Mental Concentration. There are three categories of concentration which lead to Dhyana or Meditation...the three are
� Gross - focusing on the muscular system gym or studio asana or on technique while doing cardiovascular exercise
� Refined - focusing on the breath such as during Early Morning Ritual or Pranayam
� Subtle - focusing on the Nadic Pathways, chakras, astral grid, or a deity image as prescribed by ones Teacher.
om mani padme hung,
coach ilg