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When it is cold outside, our mind finds so many reasons to skip the daily yoga practice. But the truth is that it gives us all the more reasons to keep up with our yoga practice to build internal heat to keep us warm & healthy.
We, humans, are warm-blooded animals and we do best when the internal temperature is maintained at an optimal 37 C / 98.6 F. The entire physiological system works best at this internal temperature. Aiding the internal system to maintain this temperature is one of the important means of sustaining good health.
External elements like summers, winters, etc make the body’s physiology work harder to maintain this internal temperature. We could support this process and help our internal system with the right food, exercise, and daily routines. When it’s cold the blood circulation in the body becomes sluggish which slows the effectiveness of the organ systems. Our internal system could do with a little help in the form of some conscious choices like physical activity to ensure that we are healthy.
Importance of practicing breathing exercises
Yoga has many breath-based practices like Pranayama to maintain the optimal internal temperature. Though Yogi’s used these to keep themselves warm during the cold winters of the Himalayas, we can adapt these practices to keep us warm and healthy in winters. Here are a few simple breath practices that will help you build internal heat and, keep you warm alongside restoring other health benefits.
What are the breath practices that can be performed in winters?
Bellows Breath
Bellows Breath (Bhastrika) is a Yoga’s classical heating pranayama that can be modified to use it during winters. This involves flapping of the abdominal wall to fan the fire. This also reduces the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. It helps to alleviate inflammation in the throat and any accumulation of phlegm. It balances and strengthens the nervous system, inducing peace, tranquillity and one pointedness of mind in preparation for meditation.
Right Nostril Breathing
Right nostril breathing (Surya Bheda Pranayama) involves activating the right swara that flows through the Pingala Nadi. This breathing practice enables physical activities to be performed more efficiently and helps to alleviate depression. It is especially recommended for those who are dull and lethargic or who find it difficult to communicate with the external world.
Breath of Fire
Breath of fire (Kapalbhati is a Shatkarma) but often used as an effective heating breath practice. Similar to Bhastrika but quite different in effect. As the name suggests this is a thoughts clearing practice that also has a cleansing effect on the lungs and is a good practice for respiratory disorders. It balances and strengthens the nervous system and tones the digestive organs. It purifies the nadis, and removes sensory distractions. It energizes the mind for mental work and removes sleepiness.
Victorious Breathing
Victorious Breathing (Ujjayi) is classified as tranquilizing pranayama nevertheless the initial training of this practice heats up the body especially when combined with certain asanas. So this breath exercise can also be used to some extent as a healing practice. It primarily soothes the nervous system and calms the mind. It has a profoundly relaxing effect at the psychic level.
Shvasa Tip
Pranayama is a great tool to keep you warm when the temperature drops. But it is extremely important to learn them from an experienced teacher or guru.
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