This Sun Salutation opens up the side of the body as well as opening the
shoulders when the arm is rotating.
The Quadriceps, gluteus muscles and lower back are also
strengthened.
These postures are quite easy to perform making this a good
beginning flow. Add yoga postures once you have performed this flow
a few times.
Winding the arms backwards one time will give you momentum and
proper you into Warrior 1. It is nice to do motions that allow you
to flow into the next pose.
Look at the closeness of the legs. For many years I
practiced this pose in a very wide stance. It is much nicer
with the legs closer together. Better energy flows up the
right leg.
Exhaleback into a standing forward bend.
Inhale raise up and stretch the torso in a backbend (mild if
your back is very stiff or you have an injury.
Exhale into Tadasana with the hands in prayer position.
Perform the same sequence on the opposite leg. If you like
you can vary the headstand sequence each time or simple
perform the same one.
Perform
Ujjayi Pranayama. Stage 3
Inhale and restrict the air flow to make the sound "sssss". Keep the
sound constant and smooth. Exhale make a sound with the mouth closed
that sounds like "hhhhha".
Don't hold the breath yet just warm up and work on smooth sound when
inhaling and exhaling. Work on the changes in breath becoming
smoother and longer also. This occurs when the breath crosses from
inhalations to exhalations and exhalations to inhalations.
Download the
Ujjayi Pranayama mp3
Do this for at least 5 minutes.
Then progress towards holding after the inhalation
and then the
exhalation as well.
Inhale restrict the air flow to make the sound "sssss". Keep the
sound constant and smooth.
Pause at the top of the breath
(antara kumbhaka).
Exhale and make the sound "hhhha" keeping the sound constant and
smooth.
Pause at the bottom of the breath
(bahya kumbhaka).
Ujjayi Pranayama mp3
Stage 2 - Visamavrtti Pranayama
The second breathing technique has a ratio of 1:2:1:½
gradually introducing retention after exhalation. (example 4 second
ratio minimum requirement.)
Inhale for 4 seconds.
Hold for 8 seconds.
Exhale for 4 seconds.
Hold for 2 seconds.
Total time for one Visamavrtti breath is 36 seconds. (Reduce if
this timing causes strain or increase if you perform with ease.)
Work up to a ratio of 1:3:2:1 then 1:4:2:1. (example 4 second
ratio.)
Inhale for 4 seconds.
Hold for 12 seconds.
Exhale for 8 seconds.
Hold for 4 seconds.
Total time for one Visamavrtti breath is 40 seconds.
Do this breath as for as long as it takes to feel open
through the energy flow that the breath takes. Look for blockages
and remove them as you perform this pranayama. They can be opened by
creating more space or by thinking the flow open with the conscious
mind but first the flow of air and energy must be understood by
continual observation and practice.