Viloma Pranayama - breathwork for anxiety and depression

🌬PRANAYAMA FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION🌬
All breathwork is so magical for helping with anxiety and depression - but Viloma Pranayama, interrupted or 'stair step' breath is particularly good in these cases, since it is suitable for anyone (unlike ujjayi and kapalabhati which are not ok for pregnancy for example) and is both grounding and energising.
The first stage is particularly good for anxiety as brings ease and lightness, and the second stage helps with depression as it brings a feeling of exhilaration and calm. The gentle 'pumping' of the navel on the exhale is energising. Step three rests the nerves and soothes the brain.
HOW TO PRACTISE:
1. inhale through the nose in 'steps' (from 3 to 8) all the way to the top, and then exhale smoothly, through the nose. Try three to five rounds like that, increasingly holding at the top before releasing on the long slide down.
take a few normal breaths to settle and notice any change, before trying step two
2. reverse step 1 by inhaling smoothly through the nose, all the way up, then exhale in 'steps' down to the bottom .
3. put it all together by inhaling in steps and exhaling in steps. Try three to five rounds, then return to a smooth normal breath and just see how you feel.
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