Image by Lisa Dragon
Dirga Pranayama is known as the three part yogic breath. We use it to breathe into the three parts of the abdomen. We often practice this very relaxing breathe in Leah’s Yin Yoga class at Studio Bliss.
The three parts:
1) Lower Belly (below belly button)
2) Lower Chest (lower half of your rib cage)
3) Lower Throat (Just above your sternum)
You inhale beginning in the Lower Belly, expanding into the ribs, and filling the chest and Lower Throat. When you exhale, you start in the throat and moving down to the Lower Belly, conscious of the breath emptying out level by level.
A good trick when you are first learning this breathing technique is to use your hands to isolate each position.
This breathing exercise is beneficial in so many ways. It
• Calms the mind
• Grounds the mind
• Brings us into the present moment
• Increases lung capacity and strength
• It’s so relaxing!
It’s recommended to use this breathing technique if you’re feeling particularly stressed out, though if you practiced it every day, it sure wouldn’t hurt you. It’s incredibly calming.
You can do this type of breathing while you are seated in a comfortable position, but it’s also very calming when you practice it lying down in Corpse Pose (Savasana).
