“Released from constriction, I am filled with radiant energy.”
The ‘Expanded Breath’ mudra. Hands are held in front of your heart with middle fingernails pressed together. Breath capacity can be naturally lengthened and expanded through the heart center, chest and into the entire body increasing Air Element with this mudra. The diaphragm can expand with more freedom and this in turn helps to energize, revitalize and bring enthusiasm into your life.
releases tension from the diaphragm and chest area
soothes and calms feelings in the heart
cultivates inspiration and enthusiasm
can balance giving-receiving exchange
Begin with 5-10 natural breaths and increase the number of breaths weekly to your practice.
These mudras and information provided are modified from Mudras for Healing and Transformation by Joseph and Lilian LePage, Integrative Yoga Therapy.
A Fresh Flow to open your heart, radiate expansion in breath, and warm your body to circulate vital life force energy. This sequence will help you to be present, and in fully in your body and breath!
State phrases aloud or silently while you move to the rhythm of your breath in these dynamic posture repetitions:
1. EXHALE “Like a bud in springtime…”
Kneel (or stand) with elbows bent at your sides, opening your chest as a tulip waiting to rise up and open. Sense your potential.
INHALE “My heart expands and radiates light.”
Radiate your arms from your heart-center like rays of the sun. Gently backbend to open your front body. Feel the sun’s energy blessing you. Repeat three times or more.
2. INHALE “I reach upward and I receive…”
Begin in the same position above: Reach upward as the fountain of life and let your body be showered by energy from the vitality in your own wellspring with arms and heart open wide. EXHALE “Deep cleansing warmth.”
Interlace your fingers behind your head. Bring your right elbow to the outside of your left knee. Rise up and repeat on the other side. (If you are standing bend your knees and bring your right elbow to the outside of your left knee in squat pose.)
Repeat three times or more on each side moving slowly with breath.
3. INHALE “Aligned from Earth to Sky…”
From table pose, reach one arm out to the side and all the way up to the sun. EXHALE “I am integrated.”
Lower hand down to the floor. Repeat with other arm.
Repeat three times or more on each side.
4. PRESS Stomach 36 energy points by crossing your arms and holding just underneath your knees on the outside of the shin to REVITALIZE your energy well.
Then ROCK Back and forth numerous times while holding Stomach 36 points. This relieves fatigue and massages your back which is a whole body treatment. (Or hold the points and roll side to side if rolling back and forth is uncomfortable.)
5. EXHALE ‘HA’ sound as you lift your hips into the air ,as though you were
tossing tossing a ball from your belly high up into the sky. Make the ‘HA’ sound sharp like a karate-chop kick sound. INHALE lowing buttocks almost to the ground. Energizing!
Repeat 5-10 times.
6. DIRGHA SWARA MUDRA“I Release the Weight of the Past to Open to the Gift of the Present”
The ‘Expanded Breath’ mudra. Hands are held in front of your heart. Breath capacity can be naturally lengthened and expanded through the heart center, chest and into the entire body increasing Air Element with this mudra. The diaphragm can expand with more freedom and this in turn helps to energize, revitalize and bring enthusiasm into your life.
Hold for 5-10 natural breaths, then repeat phrase both aloud and silently.
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. The general information displayed here is not intended to substitute for or replace your healthcare professional.
I developed Five Element Yoga® as a potent practice to realign you with the rhythms of nature!
Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether are the archetypal building blocks that compose the Universe, including nature and the human body. In this practice, you will balance your inner Five Elements with yoga postures, breathing, mudras, self-massage including meridians and energy points, deeply rest in Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra, and integrate your discoveries with reflection and creativity.
Five Element Yoga® brings together the rich traditions of yoga, Ayurveda, yoga therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, bodywork and creative expression. This multi-faceted practice helps you to feel calm, connected, and happy, as well as resilient and potent from within. You will refresh from the inside out as you learn and practice powerful new tools wellness.
Great yoga for Yankees but also reminds me of yoga that would also appeal to many of my fellow Canadians! Poses like Itchy Dog and mudras with affirmations like ‘go away’ – this is too funny and cute! I hope you enjoy it.
1. EXHALE “Like a bud in springtime…”
