How to Practice Ocean Breath

Wake up with the ocean breath found in yoga exercise. Also called "rib breathing,, this techniques circulates and oxygenates your blood. True to its name, a sound like an ocean breeze is uttered while performing this breathing exercise. Bring yourself into the present moment with these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Sit or stand with a straightened spine. Cross your arms across your chest, tucking your fingers under your armpit.
2. Stare straight ahead with a relaxed jaw and mouth, opening your windpipe. You can close your eyes if you prefer.
3. Pretend you're sipping through a straw and feel your ribs open as your breath fills your lungs. Do this for a count of ten.
4. Notice the tip of your nose while inhaling. This allows you to feel the sensation of your lungs filling up.
5. Exhale gently but firmly. Steadily breathe out through your nostrils until the exhale is finished.
6. Sense your breath passing across the roof of your mouth from the back of your throat. You'll hear a hissing sound, similar to that of water coming out of a hose. That's where the name of the ocean breath in yoga comes from.
7. Let your abdomen relax and allow your breathing to become normal again.

Tips & Warnings

• Take ten ocean breaths, rest, then practice ten more. This breath can take some time to perfect.
• Look for the sensations of a tingling spine and downward breaths as you get better.
• Don't push yourself too hard in any yoga exercise. Use your abdominal muscles to push the air out.