| Deergha Swassam (Deep Abdominal Breathing)
Technique: Exhale slowly through the nose. At the end of the exhalation, pull the abdomen in slightly. Then inhale slowly. Begin by releasing the abdomen and allowing it to expand fully. Continue to inhale while expanding the lower chest and then the upper chest until the collarbones rise slightly. The abdominal muscles will automatically slightly contract as the chest becomes full. Soon after, without holding the breath, exhale slowly. First drop the collarbones, and then contract the chest, and then the stomach, with one section flowing into the other. During both the inhalation and the exhalation, the breath should be one continuous flow. Repeat this breathing slowly and steadily.
Benefits: This method of three part deep breathing fills the lungs to capacity and empties them thoroughly, enabling one to supercharge the system with seven times as much oxygen and prana as in a normal breath.
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