Stop Headache Pressure Point Program Exercise 10: Eagle Breath
November 22, 2008 by Jack
Time: 5-15 minutes
Benefits: Relieves and prevents certain headaches by circulating your qi (vital energy) and blood,deepening and regulating your breathing and calming and relaxing you.
How:Breathing instructions: All breathing is through your nose, slowly, smoothly and silently. On inhalation, gently push your abdomen out to ensure a complete and proper breath. On exhalation,let your abdomen move back in. Remember, your breathing should be slow, smooth and silent -don’t force it. With practice you’ll breathe this way without conscious effort.
1. Stand with your back straight and your feet parallel and about waist width apart. Slightly bend your legs and sink your weight into them. Drop your chin a little so that the back of your neck stretches slightly. Partially close your eyes and focus on a point on the ground about 2 metres (6 feet) in front of you. Cup your hands in front of your abdomen.
2. Inhale (see above breathing instructions) as you raise your body up a little and lift your arms to the sides. Flap your hands just like bird wings as you begin exhaling while sinking your body back down and bringing your hands down to meet in front of you. Immediately inhale and raise your body again as you this time lift your hands up in front of your body till they’re above your head. Pause very briefly as the top, then exhale as your bring your arms back down past the sides of your body and once again cup your hands in front of your abdomen. That’s one cycle. Repeat for at least 5 minutes initially and build up to 10-15 minutes – the longer the better.
Summary: Inhale slowly, smoothly and silently as you raise and expand your body; exhale slowly, smoothly and silently as you lower and contract your body.
Tips: If you lose your breath at any stage, briefly stop, take some slow, deep breaths and continue; imagining you’re doing the exercise under water gives you an idea of the slow, smooth, fluid movements required; be patient – with daily practice you will see (and feel) why this is an essential exercise; try to focus internally on what you’re doing and not on external distractions – ear plugs and/or soft background music may help; don’t be concerned with the time – just do it until you feel it’s time to stop.
