Product Description

Breathing is the most fundamental of our body's physical processes, yet most of us give it little or no thought in our daily lives. However, once fully acknowledged and harnessed, the power of the breath is unlimited - enhancing self-confidence, sharpening the ability to focus, easing stress and anxiety, strengthening the quality of the voice and even helping to relieve pain. A Sanskrit proverb claims, 'If you breathe well, you will live long on earth'. Renowned yoga teacher Swami Saradananda aims with "The Power of Breath" to give gentle guidance on the art of breathing. The introduction explains the basics of breathing and the complex connection between the breath and the subtle body, as well as offering advice on rediscovering natural breathing and preparing for breathing exercises.The sections that follow then lead the reader through five types of breath - vitalizing, nourishing, expansive, cleansing and expressive. Over 30 life-enriching breathing exercises are explained within these sections, each one beautifully illustrated for clarity and maximum visual appeal. There is a final section of mini breathing programs that helps you to specifically target common ailments and issues such as asthma, skin disorders, depression, lethargy and phobias as well as harnessing your breath to enhance vocal, dramatic or sports performance.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #106239 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-15
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 9.13" h x 6.46" w x .55" l, .88 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

About the Author
Swami Saradananda is the ex-director of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, in New York, Delhi and London, and former editor of Yoga Life magazine. She has been teaching yoga, meditation and breathing for over 30 years, and runs workshops on these subjects worldwide. She is the author of Chakra Meditation (DBP, 2008).

Customer Reviews

Lots of Practice - and a bit of theory
This is an entry level book that should appeal to a wider audience than only beginners. For yoga practitioners on all levels, it provides the only book in modern, easily-understandable language to discuss the five pranas in detail. In addition to the theory of the different subtle energies, the book supplies a wealth of practical exercises for using all of them to enrich your daily life.

"The Power of Breath" is extremely practical - with supporting theory being presented as well. The style makes it extremely approachable. The practices in it can be done by anyone - it presents an interdisciplinary approach to breathing exercises.

The writing style is clear and the language is easily understood by people with little previous experience with the chakras . Yet the teachings are not over-simplified; the book presents many in-depth practices.