This breathing exercise involves a series of interrupted inhalations or exhalations with pauses, hence its name: “viloma” means “against the grain,” or “against the natural order.” The exercise can be performed either in a sitting or lying position. If you’re sitting, keep the back erect and the head lowered, so the chin rests in the notch between the two collarbones.
Version one (interrupted inhalation) is especially beneficial for those with low blood pressure. If you suffer from high blood pressure, follow version two (interrupted exhalation); it’s also recommended that you perform the exercise lying down.
Caution: Don’t perform this exercise if you have heart problems.
Version One
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When you’re ready to begin, inhale for two seconds then pause for two seconds; holding the breath, again inhale for two seconds and again pause for two seconds, holding the breath. Continue in this way until the lungs are completely full.
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Now hold the breath in for five to ten seconds.
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Now exhale slowly, making a humming sound as in the humming breath (see page sixty-two).
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This completes one cycle. Repeat for ten to fifteen cycles.
Version Two
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With the chin resting in the notch of the neck, take a deep breath through clenched teeth to a hissing sound.
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When the lungs are full, hold the breath for ten to fifteen seconds.
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Now exhale for two seconds, then pause for two seconds; exhale for two seconds then pause for two seconds. Continue in this way until you’ve expelled as much air as possible from the lungs.
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This completes one cycle. Repeat a further ten to fifteen times, then lie down and relax.
It’s recommended that you master the humming breath before working with this breathing exercise.
Yoga of Light: Awaken Chakra Energies through the Triangles of Light, by Pauline Wills © Findhorn Press. Printed with permission from the publisher, Inner Traditions International. www.InnerTraditions.com.
