Sunday Suryanamaskar

This is  a group of Bangaloreans who assemble to practice suryanamaskar in terraces of apartments or in parks on Sunday morning to practice surya namaskar or sun salutations - a set of 12 yogic postures.

Depending on the practice, there are groups that practice 6, 9, 12, 18, 27, 36, 54, 72, 96, 108 cycles of this amazing exercise.

The groups meet around 6 AM and the practice session with deep relaxation lasts from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.

Write to me to know more about this movement that is changing health around Bangalore. You don't need any special equipment - just a yoga mat and a few committed friends to alter health.

Pranayama

Learn/Practice alternate nostril breathing (Anoloma/Viloma Pranayama) for about 5-10 minutes daily or when you need to be free from stress.

We do not breathe equally through both nostrils. At any time, one nostril is more active than the other. This depends on which side of the brain is active and the logical/emotional state we are in.
Nasal cycles change with day/night/moon-cycles/solstice and seasons.

Being out of alignment with this cycle depletes natural flow of energy in the body and is presumed to be the cause of most chronic diseases.

Pranayama restores the natural cycle. Alternatively meditation clears disturbing thoughts/emotions, which in turn restores natural breathing cycles. Pranayama and meditation work as a package.

Sutra 39 - Oil Pulling

Pour a tablespoon of sesame oil in your mouth and swish it around for about 5 minutes until you feel that it has become less viscous. Spit it out and after 5 minutes, brush your teeth. It is especially good for respiratory problems and if you are suffering from bad breath. It is also a great way to save your teeth and avoid gum decay.

I also recommend that you switch to an Ayurvedic tooth powder and give up using a tooth paste altogether, if you can. Applying the powder over your gums and around the teeth in a nice massage pushes out the toxins from in between the teeth and in the gums. This massage is much more effective than brushing with a paste. You can brush plainly afterwards.

Sutra 38 - Alternate Nostril Breathing

Practice Alternate Nostril Breathing. This regulates the flow of 'Prana' in your body and leaves you with lots more energy. This is especially good if you are suffering from pains or chronic fatigue. Start with about 6 cycles and practice it until you can do this for about 15 minutes everyday. Practice it for at least a month and share any noticeable changes to your health with the group. Even if you miss it for a day or two, get back to the practice.

Here is a good video demonstration:

Related: Belly Breathing, Pranayama

Sutra 16 - Belly Breathing

Air is a vital element that is often ignored in many health regimens. Revitalising our body requires a free flow of oxygenated blood and elimination of carbon dioxide. Shallow breathing can leave us fatigues very soon.

Sit in a comfortable posture and breathe deeply a few times. Now place your right hand over your navel and gently press your belly as you breathe out. As you inhale, gently push your belly outward against your hands.

With practice, you will double your lung’s capacity.

Here is a great video on Conscious Breathing from YouTube: