Yogic breathing techniques teach you to expel as much air as possible so that inhaling is, in fact, the reflex action – not the other way around. This exercise adds an easy spinal twist to awaken your energy and release physical and emotional tension. For an even more invigorating experience, try practising it outside in the fresh air first thing in the morning.
Step 1
Stand quietly, feet shoulder-width apart, eyes closed. Lift your hands to your shoulders, keeping elbows square to your sides.
Step 2
Breathe in, slowly twisting around to your left, keeping your back straight and eyes closed; hold for a count of three. Then exhale, twisting around to the right, and making a powerful ‘ha!’ sound to fully expel all the air in your lungs. Repeat, breathing in and slowly twisting to the right, then unwinding and exhaling to the left.
Step 3
Keeping your eyes closed, inhale, then allow your arms to fall loosely by your sides, and bend over, exhaling and making the ‘ha!’ sound as your upper body becomes limp and flops over. Your head should end up near your knees, your arms should swing downwards freely.
Step 4
Inhale deeply as you slowly rise back to the standing position, and open your eyes.
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