In this short video I show you three breathing techniques to help you build lung and respiratory strength. In yoga we call this Pranayama. Prana means “life force” and ayama has different translations but the one I prefer is “expansion”.

In this video I cover a very quick intro to these three techniques; three part breath, the count and hold method and Kapalabhati or Breath of Fire. I discuss the benefits in the video but it includes:

• reducing stress
• activating the parasympathetic nervous system (meaning switching from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and digest’)
• help shallow breathers breathe more deeply
• strengthens the diaphragm
• improves digestion
• some studies show it can even lower blood pressure
• helps oxygenate the brain
• more energy
• cleanses lungs, respiratory system and sinuses

*Contraindications: do not practice the count and hold breathing technique if you are pregnant, have hypertension or cardiovascular conditions.