Tea India’s Guide on How To Breathe Better

In these challenging times we really do need more energy to help us through the day. Positive energy protects us from unskillful thinking and helps develop more resilience to difficult tasks and situations.

Our delicious range of  Wellness Teas can help you through, but there are many other factors that can help, such a breathing correctly!

Prana (प्राण) is Sanskrit for energy and here are some simple breathing techniques, called Pranayama प्राणायाम (life force), from Ayurvedic practitioner Angela Hope-Murray which will help you breath more energy into your body.

Pranayama & the Benefits of Breathing

Pranayama are controlled breathing techniques that help alleviate stress, refresh the body and improve concentration. Pran is the subtle life force which invigorates the mind and all the organs in the body: ayama connotes the control and direction of these subtle energies. The mind and the breath are intimately connected to the word spirit, which literally means ‘breath’. It is said that if you can control your breath, you control life.

Your breathing is controlled by sensory and motor functions of the brain. So when you are stressed or upset, you breathing reflects this and becomes shallow. In some cases, the chest becomes sunken and you can feel down. By the same token, great fear can cause you to hyperventilate.

Breathing exercise to help raise energy levels

Alternate Nostril Breathing or Nadi Shodhana

Alternate nostril breathing is known to purify the nadis – conduits for the nervous system – easing the flow of energy through them. The stream of power through your nadis can be impeded by pollution, stress and an irregular schedule. Practising Nadi Shodhana will allow prana (life force energy) to flow freely through the body.

Follow these steps for alternate nostril breathing.

1. Sit comfortably with your back straight. If you can sit cross-legged that’s great, but not essential.
2. Place one hand in you lap and form a mudra with your other hand, folding your first and second fingers into the palm of your hand.
3. Raise your mudra hand to you face and use your ring finger and little finger to lightly close your left nostril.
4. Inhale deeply and slowly through your right nostril. Don’t force the inhalation; just breathe comfortably
5. Hold your breath. Without strain, when it feels comfortable to breathe out, remove your fingers from the left nostril and use them to close the right nostril. Release the breath through your left nostril, while slowly and smoothly exhaling.
6. Inhale again through your left nostril, keeping the right one closed.
7. Closing the left nostril, exhale through the right. Continue this alternation.

Start by performing three rounds a day and gradually increase the number to ten. Your breath should be silent, with no strain.

After your pranayama practice, breathe in the delicious aroma of our Protect blend packed with super herb Tulsi, known to be beneficial for respiratory disorders.

Taking Tulsi

The Tulsi plant, also known as Holy Basil, is perhaps the most sacred of herbs. It’s prized in Indian kitchens as a household protector because the plant purifies the air around it. Scientific studies show that tulsi liberates ozone and energises the atmospheres negative ions.

Tulsi has a wide variety of uses, and it’s a very effective remedy for coughs and colds, bronchitis and asthmas. Read more about this amazing super herb in our blog post.

Along with tulsi our Protect blend contains turmeric and ginger, both recognized for their amazing natural healing properties.

We hope that you enjoy discovering the art of breathing properly and enjoy the delicious benefits of our wellness teas.